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Recent reports of a meningitis outbreak in the UK have brought renewed attention to the speed and severity with which serious infections can develop. While meningitis is often discussed as a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, it can also lead to life-threatening septicaemia, commonly known as sepsis. In several of the recent cases, patients have deteriorated rapidly, underlining the critical importance of early recognition and urgent treatment.
Christopher Price, Solicitor in Lester Aldridge’s Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team, explains what sepsis is, why it is so dangerous, and when failures in medical care may give rise to a claim.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection and begins to attack its own tissues and organs.
It can develop from almost any infection, including a chest infection, urinary tract infection, skin infection or abdominal infection. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, although viral and fungal infections can also lead to sepsis. It is unknown why some people develop sepsis in response to infections whereas other do not. It can develop regardless of how fit and healthy a person might be.
As the body responds to the infection, widespread inflammation can occur throughout the bloodstream. This can impair blood flow, damage vital organs and, in severe cases, cause organ failure. Without urgent treatment, sepsis can progress to septic shock, where blood pressure falls to dangerously low levels and the risk of death increases significantly.
Sepsis is a major public health issue. It is estimated to contribute to around 48,000 deaths every year in the UK. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or previous health, and can deteriorate rapidly.
Why is Sepsis So Dangerous?
One of the greatest dangers of sepsis is the speed at which it can develop. A person may appear only mildly unwell at first, but their condition can worsen dramatically within hours.
The early symptoms of sepsis are often non-specific and can easily be mistaken for a viral illness, flu or a less serious infection. This can result in dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Prompt recognition and urgent medical care are therefore essential.
Symptoms of Sepsis
The signs and symptoms of sepsis can vary depending on the underlying infection and the age of the person affected. Common symptoms include:
- A high temperature, or an unusually low body temperature;
- Shivering, chills or feeling very cold;
- Confusion, drowsiness or disorientation;
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath;
- Clammy, pale or mottled skin;
- Severe pain or extreme discomfort;
- A fast heartbeat; and
- Reduced urine output.
In children, symptoms may present differently and can include unusual sleepiness, difficulty breathing, a rash that does not fade when pressed, or a child appearing unusually floppy or difficult to wake.
Anyone displaying symptoms of sepsis should seek urgent medical attention immediately.
Legal Considerations
Because sepsis can progress so quickly, healthcare professionals must identify the warning signs, carry out appropriate investigations and arrange urgent treatment without delay.
A failure to recognise, diagnose or treat sepsis promptly may amount to medical negligence where this causes avoidable injury or death. Examples can include:
- failing to identify symptoms consistent with sepsis;
- failing to carry out appropriate observations, blood tests or investigations;
- failing to escalate concerns or refer a patient to hospital;
- delays in administering antibiotics or other appropriate treatment; or
- discharging a patient when further assessment was required.
Where negligent treatment has resulted in serious injury, long-term complications or bereavement, the patient or their family may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation.
At Lester Aldridge, our Clinical Negligence team has experience advising individuals and families affected by failures in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. We understand the profound impact these cases can have and are committed to providing clear, sensitive and practical advice.
Contact us
Our Personal Injury team is ready to discuss your medical negligence concerns without charge or obligation. Please get in touch with any questions or queries at online.enquiries@LA-law.com or 0344 967 0791.
