Sepsis

Sepsis is an important cause of death in nephrotic patients. The increased susceptibility to infection is partly due to loss of immunoglobulin in the urine. Pneumococcal infections are particularly common and pneumococcal vaccine should be given.

Bacteria are almost always the cause of sepsis in newborns and infants. Sepsis occurs when bacteria, which can originate in a child's lungs, intestines, urinary tract, or gallbladder, make toxins that cause the body's immune system to attack the body's own organs and tissues.

Early detection and aggressive treatment of infections, rather than long-term antibiotic prophylaxis, is the best approach.

Symptoms and signs of Sepsis

Symptoms ans signs of sepsis are Abnormal body temperature, Tachycardia, or racing of the heart, Breathing difficulties, Abnormal white blood cell count. Other symptoms and signs associated with sepsis include hypotension and mental deterioration, ranging from lack of attention and confusion to agitation, lethargy and coma.

Diagnosis and test of sepsis

Because symptoms of sepsis can be vague in infants, laboratory tests play a crucial role in confirming or ruling out sepsis. These lab tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Urine test
• A lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• X-rays, especially of the chest
• the fluids inside those tubes (IV tubes, catheters, or shunts) may be tested for signs of infection as well.

Sepsis Symptoms

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Health Tip

An ECG is used to show electrical activty in different areas of heart. Signals from electrode are recorded onto a piece of paper, known as a trace. Most are performed when the patient is lying down.