Sepsis and Patients with a Weak Immune System
Patients who already have a weakened immune system may be more vulnerable to developing sepsis and their management may be more complicated.
Developing sepsis
Sepsis is the result of the body's immune system over-reacting to an infection elsewhere in the body. It can quickly lead to multiple organ failure and death unless diagnosed and treated promptly.
Some patients already have a weak or compromised immune system. This may be due to a fundamental dysfunction, the result of an existing and on-going illness such as diabetes or the product of medical treatment.
Someone with an already weakened immune system is more likely to succumb to infection. Given that sepsis is a reaction to an infection, that person is, therefore, more likely to develop sepsis.
Medical implications
- Patients with weakened immune systems may struggle to recover from sepsis
- It may be harder to spot sepsis in these patients
- Management of patients with weakened immune systems may be more complicated
- Patients with weakened immune systems require very close monitoring for signs that they are developing sepsis
- At-risk patients who are about to undergo surgery may have a greater need for prophylactic antibiotics
Diagnosing sepsis
A patient with a weakened immune system may already be suffering with on-going medical conditions and complications. This may make it harder to diagnose the development of sepsis in those patients.
At the same time, it makes it extremely important that those patients are closely monitored for such a development. Such at-risk patients who are known to be suffering from an infection, especially of the chest, abdomen or urinary tract, should be assessed regularly for signs of sepsis.
Treating sepsis in patients with weakened immune systems
Patients who already have compromised immune systems require the same treatments as those who don't including the following:
- Antibiotics within one hour of diagnosis
- Investigation into underlying source of infections
- Oxygen administration
- Fluids
However, patients with a weakened immune system may take longer to respond to treatment and it may be harder to identify the underlying infection which has prompted the sepsis outbreak.
This will inevitably have implications for their treatment.
Medical Negligence
Medical professionals should be aware of the vulnerability of patients with weak immune systems to the threat of infection and the development of sepsis. They should be highly alert, therefore, to any signs that the patient's condition is deteriorating in any way which might indicate sepsis.
Where at-risk patients do not receive the necessary care to protect them from sepsis, their medical professionals may be regarded as having acted negligently.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one have suffered from sepsis in circumstances where this could have been prevented by your medical practitioners, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to speak with an experienced medical negligence solicitor who will be happy to advise you.
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