Medical Negligence claims may arise from failing to treat an infection or acquiring an infection in hospital. Infections can lead to Sepsis, also known as septicaemia, and if not treated timely they can be life threatening. Mismanagement can also lead to amputation of limbs.
What is an infection:
An infection occurs when an organism enters the body caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungi.
Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection.
What is sepsis:
Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection. The body’s immune system, which usually helps to fight infection, goes into overdrive to deal with the infection but injures healthy tissues and organs. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Without treatment at an early stage, usually with antibiotics, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. The earlier the treatment the better the outcome.
Signs of Sepsis:
The early symptoms of sepsis can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid heat rate or weak pulse
- Fast breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme shivering or feeling very cold
- Cold , clammy and pale or mottled skin
- Severe muscle pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- High or low temperature
If you experience any of the above symptoms it is imperative to seek urgent medical advice.
If sepsis is not detected early, it can turn into septic shock and cause organs to fail. This is life threatening.
Statistics:
According to the UK Sepsis Trust, around 245,000 cases of sepsis occur in the UK each year.
The UK Sepsis Trust also reports that around 48,000 deaths are attributed to sepsis annually in the UK.
Approximately 25% of these deaths are preventable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Causes of Sepsis
Anyone can develop sepsis but some people are at higher risk. People who have an underlying condition are at higher risk of sepsis. Those at higher risk of sepsis include:
- Babies under the age of 1, particularly if they are premature or their mother had an infection whilst pregnant.
- People over the age of 75.
- People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease.
- People with weakened immune systems including those who take steroids for immunosuppression.
- People who have recently had any procedure, surgery or serious illness.
- Women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage or abortion.
- People with any illness including a cold, flu or Covid
Effects of Sepsis
Some people make a full recovery from sepsis quickly. The time it takes to recover will depend on the severity of the Sepsis.
The long term effects can sometimes leave people with lethargy, muscle weakness, joint pain and breathlessness.
Case study:
Full recovery from sepsis is possible.
Carol Vorderman, the host of pride of Britain awards has been a victim of sepsis.
In 2004 she was rushed into hospital as an emergency when she became seriously ill after her gall bladder became infected and sepsis set in. She was admitted to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital where she spent five hours in theatre undergoing emergency surgery.
On the Pride of Britain awards aired on 31st October 2016, the Pride of Britain presenter came face to face with the doctor who saved her life, Doctor David Knott, was working in the A&E Department at the time. Had sepsis not been detected, it could have been a different outcome for the presenter.
Management of sepsis:
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines to support local infection control regarding the management of sepsis which should be followed by medical practitioners.
Unfortunately, signs of infections are not always detected right away, and failing to spot them quickly can be life threatening.
Medical negligence can also be a factor in late detection of sepsis. Health professionals should look out for early signs of an infection and manage the infection appropriately to reduce the risk of mortality. Face-to-face appointments with health professionals may diminish the risk.
If sepsis is considered as a potential diagnosis, test should be carried out. There is no definitive test for sepsis so tests might include; Blood tests, urine test, a swab from a wound or saliva sample.
Early detection of sepsis can be managed with antibiotics either intravenously or taken orally. The guidelines state they are to be provided within an hour of diagnosis given the serious consequences of delays in treatment. Additional care, where the infection is advanced, may sometimes be required, such as hydration or oxygen.
How Prosperity Law can help you
If you think that you or a loved one has been injured as a result of medical negligence associated with a delay in diagnosing and treating sepsis, then you may be able to make a claim.
We hold Clinical Negligence Accreditation from the law society ensuring your case is being dealt with a specialist team.
If you would like to know more about how Prosperity Law can help you for your medical negligence claim or our many other services, then please contact us today for a confidential consultation with a qualified solicitor.
Call us on 0151 909 1848 or Email: newenquiries@prosperitylaw.com
