Search results
Nov 11, 2022 · Abstract. Neonatal late-onset sepsis (LOS) continues to threaten morbidity and mortality within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and poses ongoing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Early recognition of clinical signs, rapid evaluation, and prompt initiation of treatment are critical to prevent life-threatening deterioration.
- On this page
- Symptoms
- When to see a doctor
- From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
- Causes
- Risk factors
- Complications
- Associated Procedures
- Products & Services
•Overview
•Symptoms
•When to see a doctor
•Causes
•Risk factors
•Complications
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.
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.
To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
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.
Request an appointment
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.
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
People also ask
What is the difference between early onset and late onset sepsis?
What is late onset neonatal sepsis?
What causes late onset sepsis?
Nov 1, 2022 · Neonatal late-onset sepsis (LOS) continues to threaten morbidity and mortality in the NICU and poses ongoing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Early recognition of clinical signs, rapid evaluation, and prompt initiation of treatment are critical to prevent life-threatening deterioration. Preterm infants—born at ever-decreasing gestational ages—are at particularly high risk for life ...
Neonatal sepsis can be early onset (≤ 3 days of birth) or late onset (after 3 days). Early-onset sepsis usually results from organisms acquired intrapartum, and symptoms appear within 6 hours of birth. Late-onset sepsis is usually acquired from the environment and is more likely in preterm infants, particularly those with prolonged ...
Oct 18, 2023 · Sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among newborn infants. Although the incidence of sepsis in term and late preterm neonates is low, the potential for serious adverse outcomes is of such great consequence that caregivers should have a low threshold for evaluation and treatment for possible sepsis in neonates.
Aug 1, 2010 · Late-onset neonatal sepsis is a common serious problem in preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units. Diagnosis can be difficult because clinical manifestations are not specific and none of the available laboratory tests can be considered an ideal marker. For this reason, a combination of markers has been proposed. Complete blood count and acute-phase reactants evaluated together help in ...
