SIR ROBERT MUIR, SEPSIS AND SCOTTISH HEALTHCARE
Adapted from: Lawrence, K., and Kollef, M. (2009). Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Intensive Care Unit. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 179, 434-438.
From: https://www.ucytech.com/sites/default/files/images/Vaccine%20development.jpg (Accessed 26/11/15)
Clinical Lead on Sepsis to Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Septicaemia
Challenges
Sepsis is an indiscriminate killer, and is the most common cause of post-operative complications and death in Scotland. It is also the most common maternity associated cause of death in the UK. It kills 37000 people in the UK every year, and lack of recognition of the condition is a major problem.
The sepsis six bundle should be implemented within an hour of sepsis diagnosis, as the mortality rate increases by 7.6% for every hour after sepsis begins. Prompt treatment is key to improving survival rates. Since the implementation of the sepsis six bundle, mortality rates have fallen by 21% across Scotland, and compliance with the sepsis six bundle is now at 90% across all hospitals across the country.
Antibiotics are a key part of the treatment process, and to combat the rise of antimicrobial resistance, good antimicrobial stewardship is fundamental. Once the source of infection causing sepsis has been identified, de-escalation of antibiotic treatment is vital.
Current challenges in sepsis management include an ongoing need for education of the medical profession and the public for the signs of sepsis, creating focus on recognition of sepsis and implementation of appropriate sepsis management plans.
Prevention is often said to be the best cure, and sepsis prevention measures include the development of vaccines against the causative infectious agents, improved hygiene and infection control precautions. There are no easy wasys to prevent sepsis, and it is likely to take several years for a sufficnet number of vaccines to be developed to effectively prevent sepsis.