It's the time: to increase awareness of sepsis

An interview with Dr. Steven Simpson, MD, discussing the importance of awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis and how Sepsis Alliance helps reduce the number of deaths from sepsis in the United States.

What is sepsis and why is it so dangerous?

The definition of sepsis adopted a few years ago by ICU doctors is that sepsis is a potentially fatal organ dysfunction caused by a deregulated host response to the infection. There are several parts to that.

Intravenous antibiotics and fluids save lives in sepsis. Image credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

The simple part is that sepsis must be caused by an infection, or it is not sepsis. However, the response of the host to this infection must also be deregulated. This means that at certain times of sepsis, you have an innate immunity overabundant and, at other times, your immune system is compromised.

We believe that many people who die of sepsis may have started with this superabundant immune response, but then become immunosuppressed, having exhausted their immune systems, rendering them unable to fight the global condition.

An infection requires an immune response, but when it becomes uncontrollable, it can lead to organ damage and septic shock. We know this because people who do not respond well to bacteria die very often when they are infected.

One of the things that make sepsis dangerous is that it is not well recognized by doctors and is not at all recognized by most members of the public who develop sepsis. . This is a problem because it means that patients are often slow to see a doctor because they think it's just a cold or the flu when their organs are actually damaged. The more you present for care, the more likely it is to be fatal.

Why is it important to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of sepsis?

This is important because most people do not know the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Sepsis Alliance conducts surveys each year that have two components.

One component says, "Have you ever heard this word sepsis before?" – This awareness increases over time, and now about 60% of the population has heard the word sepsis.

However, when we push them and tell them "okay, tell us what you know about sepsis. Tell us if you would know if you have it, it's almost 0%. As I have already said, delays in diagnosis associated with treatment delays lead to worsening of dysfunctions, shocks and deaths.

For example, we know that the sooner you take your antibiotics, the more likely you are to survive. If you experience septic shock, for example, between 7 and 8% more people will die each hour from the onset of shock until the administration of antibiotics.

Some of my research here at the University of Kansas have shown that if you go to the emergency with severe sepsis and your antibiotics are delayed, 8% of people per hour will develop a shock and 5% per time will eventually die.

This concerns patients who do not experience shock but who have an infection and acute organ dysfunction.

It is extremely important that people learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis so that they can call a doctor as soon as possible.

Microbial analysis is part of the diagnosis of sepsis. Image Credit: BlurryMe / Shutterstock

What should you do if you suspect that someone you know has sepsis?

There are two main parts to this. The first is to recognize that sepsis is an emergency. If you think someone is suffering from sepsis, you should treat it as an emergency, as you would if someone was having a heart attack.

Many people will not think that they are sick because of a change in their mental state. It is therefore imperative that you transport them to the emergency room.

The second part is that when you get to the emergency room, tell the doctor that you are concerned about sepsis and ask, "Could this be sepsis?

You have to say the words because when you work in an emergency room, people pass the doors with all kinds of signs and symptoms, so it is important to put sepsis at the center of the clinician's concerns.

What is it? TIME"initiative?

It's About TIME is a national awareness campaign organized by Sepsis Alliance. We use the acronym "It's about TIME", Because, frankly, get treatment and survive sepsis East about time but TIME is also an acronym.

TIME represent Ttemperature, Iinfection, Mental decline and Every sick.

Of course, these are not the only signs and symptoms of sepsis, but these are the most common symptoms that people can recognize.

For example, it is not unusual for a person who experiences a change in mental status to be brought to the emergency room by a spouse who thinks they have a stroke. While yes, it is fantastic that people think about stroke because they have to be treated quickly, there is a complete lack of awareness that what can cause this mental change is sepsis.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of sepsis and to give people the knowledge to suggest sepsis to their doctor upon their arrival at the emergency.

Who is Angelica Hale and how is she involved in the campaign TIME"initiative?

Angelica Hale is a young woman who was a finalist in an American TV show titled "America's Got Talent". She was very popular on the show and has since started a career in singing. What many people do not know, is that Angelica has developed a severe case of sepsis at the age of four, which has spread to both lungs and lymphadenopathy. has made use of a mechanical fan.

The infection almost killed. I have no idea what his memories should be, but I know that his parents, of course, have been traumatized. Now 11, she wants to use her position to educate the public about sepsis and the importance of early medical intervention.

We teamed up with Angelica to TIME campaign as the main proportion of its fans, and social media are young people. The idea is that we send the message to children when they are still young and that they will wear it throughout their lives.

I use my voice to raise awareness about sepsis, so that everyone can recognize the signs and symptoms and get treatment immediately. Remember when it comes to sepsis, This is T.I.M.E. "

Angelica Hale, Sepsis Celebrity Lawyer

How can people get involved in the campaign?

There are many things you can do! The first is to visit the Sepsis Alliance website and learn more about the TIME acronym and sepsis itself. The second is to communicate what you are learning with your loved ones and friends.

Finally, Sepsis Alliance is a charitable organization. We exist thanks to the generosity of the individuals and businesses that make us a gift. Every dollar contributes to saving a life, so the last way to get involved is to raise money.

The easiest way to do this is on your social media. During the month of September of September (September), I put a donation button on my Facebook profile, with a simple message on sepsis. After a few weeks, the position had raised several hundred dollars for the organization.

What is the next step for Sepsis Alliance?

The next calendar event is an annual fundraising event in New York called Sepsis Heroes, which takes place every September during Sepsis Awareness Month.

This event brings together individuals from across the country and helps recognize the extraordinary work that they do. health system initiatives that reduce the number of deaths from sepsis to individuals who go the extra mile to educate others about the signs and symptoms of sepsis.

Another initiative we are involved in is helping hospitals develop a network of sepsis coordinators (SNAs), an online network that provides health professionals with evidence-based resources and advice to improve their health. results of patients with sepsis.

This is a brand new initiative to make sure that every hospital has a central coordinator for sepsis and is free to join it.

Since its launch in May, more than 1,000 members from all 50 states have joined the SNA. These members come from more than 1,000 hospitals and cover more than 300,000 hospital beds.

We also have international members. The hope is that if representatives come together and speak as a unified voice, this could result in the implementation of measures reducing the number of deaths due to sepsis.

Where can readers find more information?

About Dr. Steven Simpson

Dr. Steven Simpson is Professor of Medicine and Acting Director of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care at the University of Kansas.

He is also Chair of Interdisciplinary Critical Care at the University of Kansas Hospital and Medical Director of three intensive care units.

Dr. Simpson has studied all areas of severe sepsis, from molecular and cellular mechanisms to translational studies, to quality improvement studies.

He is a regular reviewer of Critical Care Medicine and CHEST journals and is the author of more than 70 peer-reviewed articles. He has also written and edited manuscripts, book chapters, and articles and presentations on the Web.