Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, causing widespread inflammation. If diagnosis or treatment is delayed, sepsis can lead to serious complications, including shock, multiple organ failure, tissue damage, and, in severe cases, limb amputation.
Sepsis can also be fatal, and according to the UK Sepsis Trust, five people die from sepsis every hour in the UK. In this article, our medical negligence team answer some frequently asked questions about sepsis. We also highlight what to do if you suspect that medical negligence resulted in misdiagnosis or delays in treatment.
What Are the Signs of Sepsis?
Sepsis, also called septicaemia or blood poisoning, can be hard to spot, and there is no single sign. There are lots of possible symptoms, and sometimes these can resemble other conditions, such as the flu or a chest infection.
- Early signs or symptoms of sepsis in adults or children include:
- Acting confused, slurred speech, or difficulty making sense
- Blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
They may not have all these symptoms.
- Early signs or symptoms of sepsis in a baby or young child include:
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
- Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
- A weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
- Not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
- Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
They may not have all these symptoms.
Source: NHS.uk https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
What Should You Do If You Suspect Sepsis?
Sepsis can progress rapidly, and patients can deteriorate within hours. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, particularly following an infection, injury or surgical procedure, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. The UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) offers additional guidance on recognising the signs of sepsis in both adults and children. It has developed a sepsis awareness tool that uses smart technology to help you understand whether someone might be at risk of sepsis.
Access the tool here: https://sepsistrust.org/about-sepsis/spotting-the-signs-of-sepsis/
Call 999 or visit A&E if you, another adult, or a child has one of the sepsis symptoms and Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?
What Is the Long-Term Impact of Sepsis?
Surviving sepsis is just the beginning for many patients, and some people may find their recovery from sepsis is longer and more problematic than expected. The condition can cause lifelong physical and emotional challenges that affect every aspect of daily life. Around 40% of people who develop sepsis are estimated to experience physical, cognitive, and/or psychological after-effects. Common long-term complications include, but are not limited to:
- Chronic pain and fatigue
- Muscle weakness and reduced mobility
- Difficulty with short-term memory and other cognitive difficulties
- Increased susceptibility to future infections
- Skin sensitivity
- New allergies or intolerances
- Psychological disorders, including PTSD and anxiety
- Organ damage and reduced kidney function
- Dizziness, headaches, and nausea
- In severe cases, amputation of limbs due to tissue death
This is a non-exhaustive list, and some people may experience one or two of the listed problems, while others may have more. Post Sepsis Syndrome (PSS) is a condition that describes the varying set of ongoing issues that people can suffer for prolonged periods of time following sepsis. While not everyone who gets sepsis will get PSS, anyone can be affected, and recovery time can vary for each person.
When Does Sepsis Become Medical Negligence?
At times, medical professionals may fail to recognise the signs of sepsis, misdiagnose the condition, or delay its diagnosis and treatment. These cases of medical negligence can have devastating and irreversible consequences for patients and their families.
Examples of medical negligence in sepsis cases include, but are not limited to:
- Medical professionals failing to recognise or act upon the symptoms of sepsis
- Discharging a patient from the hospital, GP surgery or other medical practice when symptoms of sepsis were present
- Ignoring or dismissing symptoms reported by the patient or their family
- Misdiagnosis of blood test results or other vital signs
- Inadequate wound care or hygiene practices that lead to infection
- Delays in administering appropriate antibiotics or medical treatment
- Failing to monitor high-risk or vulnerable patients
If you can prove that medical negligence led to you or a loved one developing sepsis, or that negligent care caused a delay in treatment that worsened the outcome, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Recent Case – Devastating Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis
We recently represented the family of Mr D, who attended a hospital with symptoms of bloating and stomach pain. A scan of his bowel was performed, and he was informed that the results were clear. He was discharged and sent home with advice that he was suffering from a hernia and given a date to return for surgical repair. However, Mr D sadly collapsed at home a few days later and passed away. It was subsequently found that the scan had shown a blockage in his bowel, which had been left untreated and led to the development of sepsis and pneumonia. Read about the case here: Clinical negligence – Led to the development of sepsis and pneumonia.
Seeking Legal Support from Medical Negligence Specialists
If you or a loved one developed sepsis because of medical negligence, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn for support.
Although there are various avenues to make an official complaint, you may still feel as though you are on your own and not being listened to.
At The Personal Injury People, our specialist personal injury solicitors have extensive experience in handling complex medical negligence claims, including cases involving sepsis.
We can help you understand whether negligent medical care has taken place and your chances of making a successful sepsis negligence claim. We will advise you on the next steps for you to take.
To speak to our team of experienced medical negligence solicitors today, please call 0800 731 7555, email info@thepersonalinjurypeople.co.uk or fill in this contact form.