NEWS – An awareness programme was organised at Victoria Hospital by a group of intensivists to emphasise early detection and timely treatment of sepsis, a leading cause of ICU deaths, the World Health Organisation (WHO) states.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Recommendations by Experts

• Early Identification and Treatment: ICU specialists stressed the importance of recognising sepsis early and initiating prompt treatment.
• Swift Source Control: Dr Pooja Murthy highlighted the need to drain pus pockets within 12 hours to improve survival rates.
• Antibiotic Use: Early administration of antibiotics is crucial, but indiscriminate use of over-the-counter antibiotics should be avoided to prevent resistance.

Vulnerable Groups

• Persons with uncontrolled diabetes
• Elderly and infants
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Patients with chronic illnesses

Causes of Sepsis

• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections
• Untreated skin wounds
• Secondary infections in hospitals due to frequent visitations

Precaution: Limiting hospital visitations helps reduce the risk of secondary infections.

Prevalence and Treatment Challenges

• Victoria Hospital records around 250 ICU admissions per month; 60%–70% involve sepsis.
• Treatment is costly as severe cases require ventilator support and ICU care.
• Untreated sepsis can rapidly progress to multiple organ failure and death.

Symptoms to Watch

• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion or disorientation

Conclusion: Early detection, timely antibiotics, and controlled hospital practices are vital to improving sepsis survival rates.