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How is sepsis diagnosed in older adults?
Can sepsis be recognized in older patients?
What are the symptoms of sepsis in older adults?
Jul 14, 2023 · What to consider when diagnosing sepsis in the older adult? Sepsis requires evidence of organ dysfunction, so terms such as urosepsis, respiratory sepsis, and biliary sepsis should not be used to describe uncomplicated infections.
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Symptoms of sepsis
Symptoms of sepsis may include:
Symptoms of septic shock
Sepsis may progress to septic shock. Septic shock is a severe drop in blood pressure. Progression to septic shock raises the risk of death. Symptoms of septic shock include:
Any infection could lead to sepsis. Go to a health care provider if you have symptoms of sepsis or an infection or wound that isn't getting better.
Symptoms such as confusion or fast breathing need emergency care.
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Any type of infection can lead to sepsis. This includes bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Those that more commonly cause sepsis include infections of:
•Lungs, such as pneumonia.
•Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
•Digestive system.
•Bloodstream.
•Catheter sites.
Some factors that increase the risk infection will lead to sepsis include:
•People over age 65.
•Infancy.
•People with lower immune response, such as those being treated for cancer or people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
•People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
•Admission to intensive care unit or longer hospital stays.
As sepsis worsens, vital organs, such as the brain, heart and kidneys, don't get as much blood as they should. Sepsis may cause atypical blood clotting. The resulting small clots or burst blood vessels may damage or destroy tissues.
Most people recover from mild sepsis, but the mortality rate for septic shock is about 30% to 40%. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk for future infections.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff
Feb 10, 2023
1.Forrester JD. Sepsis and septic shock. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/critical-care-medicine/sepsis-and-septic-shock/sepsis-and-septic-shock. Accessed Nov. 19, 2022.
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Abstract. Sepsis in older adults has many challenges that affect rate of septic diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring parameters. Numerous age-related changes and comorbidities contribute to increased risk of infections in older adults, but also atypical symptomatology that delays diagnosis.
- Kalin M. Clifford, Eliza A. Dy-Boarman, Krystal K. Haase, Kristen Maxvill, Steven E. Pass, Carlos A....
- 2016
Feb 10, 2023 · Treatment. Diagnosis. Doctors often order several tests to try to pinpoint underlying infection. Blood tests. Blood samples are used to test for: Evidence of infection. Blood-clotting problems. Abnormal liver or kidney function. Lower levels of oxygen than the body needs. Electrolyte imbalances.
Apr 1, 2020 · Lactate level, an indirect marker of tissue perfusion, has been incorporated in the diagnosis of septic shock in addition to the need for vasopressor therapy required to maintain mean arterial...
Jan 19, 2023 · More than 1.7 million people in the United States receive a diagnosis of sepsis each year. There are differences in sepsis rates among different demographic groups. Sepsis is more common among older adults, with incidence increasing with each year after the age of 65 years old.
Nov 13, 2023 · Updated November 13, 2023. Risk Factors. Symptoms. Treatment. Prevention. Sepsis can and does affect people of all ages, but people who are over 65 years old are even more susceptible to sepsis.
