Understanding Sepsis and the “Golden Hour”.

Sepsis is one of the most dangerous and life-threatening conditions that can affect anyone, anywhere. Yet, it remains widely under-recognised by both the public and healthcare professionals.

The statistics surrounding sepsis are chilling: it is reported that every three seconds, someone in the world dies from sepsis. In the UK alone, 245,000 people are affected annually, with at least 48,000 losing their lives to sepsis-related complications each year. This death toll is higher than those from breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined. On a global scale, sepsis claims 11 million lives every year - making it one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide.

As a leading clinical negligence firm, we at Lanyon Bowdler believe it’s crucial to raise awareness about this condition, especially since misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can have catastrophic consequences. Understanding sepsis, its causes, symptoms, and the importance of prompt treatment is vital for ensuring better outcomes for patients.

Sepsis – what is it?

While many people associate it with infection, it is not an infection in itself. Rather, sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to an infection in an overwhelming and dangerous manner. This intense immune response triggers widespread inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to severe tissue damage, organ failure, and, if left untreated, death.

Any type of infection—whether bacterial, viral, or fungal—has the potential to lead to sepsis. However, certain infections are more commonly associated with sepsis, such as those affecting the lungs (like pneumonia), the kidneys, bladder, and other parts of the urinary system. When these infections spread into the bloodstream, it can result in serious conditions such as bacteraemia (where bacteria are present in the blood) or septicaemia (when bacteria multiply in the blood). These conditions can lead to septic shock, a rapidly progressing condition that can be fatal.

What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?

Sepsis can develop quickly, often following a relatively mild illness. However, in some patients, the body’s immune system overreacts in a way that leads to severe complications. The symptoms of sepsis can range from mild to life-threatening, and they can develop rapidly:

Initial Symptoms can include:

• High fever or chills
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing

If left untreated, patients can quickly develop signs of septic shock which include:

• Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation
• Slurred speech
• Diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting
• Muscle pain and breathlessness
• Decreased urinary output
• Cold, clammy, pale skin with mottling
• Loss of consciousness

As sepsis advances into septic shock, patients may experience dangerously low blood pressure, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels), and severe difficulty in breathing, among other symptoms. If left untreated, patients can become critically ill, with organ failure potentially setting in within a matter of hours.

The “Golden Hour”

Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in a hospital setting. If sepsis progresses untreated, it can cause severe organ damage, resulting in permanent health problems, and even death.

Treatment usually involves aggressive intravenous antibiotics; fluids to support blood pressure; and sometimes steroids to reduce inflammation.

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) stresses the importance of treating sepsis within one hour of diagnosis, a time frame often referred to as the “golden hour.” It has long been recognised that early intervention is critical, as it can significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.

Unfortunately, sepsis is not always diagnosed early enough, and sometimes healthcare professionals fail to act swiftly. This can be the result of several factors, including not recognising the symptoms of sepsis; insufficient staff training; or delays in recognising the severity of the condition.

The Role of the UK Sepsis Trust

The UK Sepsis Trust, established in 2012 as a charity, works tirelessly to improve both public awareness of sepsis and the management of sepsis within the NHS. Through advocacy, education, and raising awareness about the importance of early recognition and treatment, the charity is helping to save lives. Their efforts continue to reduce the number of sepsis-related deaths in the UK, but more work needs to be done to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment for all patients.

Clinical Negligence and Sepsis

When a healthcare provider’s delay in diagnosis of sepsis or failure to administer the correct treatment results in harm, patients or their families may be entitled to claim compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages caused by the negligence.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we specialise in handling claims involving sepsis, and we understand the devastating impact that delayed or missed diagnosis of sepsis can have on individuals and their loved ones. If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of clinical negligence in relation to sepsis, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

We are here to support you in understanding your legal rights and seeking justice. Reach out to our expert legal team today for guidance and assistance with clinical negligence claims related to sepsis.