Be on the alert for sepsis, says microbiologist at TUH

AS WORLD Sepsis Day is marked, a microbiologist from Tallaght University Hospital has encouraged the community to know the signs – and to attend A&E immediately if sepsis is suspected.

While global awareness of sepsis and ways to prevent, recognise and respond were highlighted on World Sepsis Day, locally Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is further educating its staff and the wider community on the potentially life-threatening condition.

Growing up in Raheen and now living in Knocklyon, Anna-Rose Prior is a microbiologist at TUH and works with staff on the quick identification and appropriate treatment of infections and sepsis.

“Sepsis is due to the body’s response to an infection,” Dr Prior told The Echo.

“It’s when the immune response [to an infection] goes out of control and it affects the organs in the body.

“Anybody can get sepsis, even if you’re young and healthy.

“However, if you have problems with your immune or your kidneys or liver, you can be more vulnerable, along with babies and people over 60.

“However, anyone can get sepsis, anyone can get a bug that overwhelms their body.”

According to Dr Prior, sepsis is a medical emergency, with the condition having an 18 to 20 per cent in-hospital mortality rate in Ireland [the average mortality rate globally is around 25 per cent].

“It’s so important to recognise the early signs of sepsis, and there’s loads of work being done on this in the hospital and nationally,” Dr Prior said.

“We have tools to help staff recognise the signs of sepsis, tools to measure the early warning signs of sepsis.

“At TUH part of my job is also helping staff to deliver prompt, early and appropriate management of infections.

“The quicker we treat an infection; it reduces the risk of sepsis.”

Alongside a continued focus on educating hospital staff, Dr Prior has urged members of the public to know the signs.

“The key message here is, if you think you or a family member has sepsis, we want you to come to the emergency department,” she said.

“Don’t delay. If the word sepsis comes into your mind, get straight to hospital.

“You’ll be seen, assessed and if it’s not sepsis that’s fine.

“For every hour’s delay in the treatment of sepsis, mortality increases by eight per cent.

“There is so much work going on in the hospital to recognise sepsis, we can act really quickly when we see patients.”

According to Dr Prior the most common causes of sepsis from a community point of view are skin infection, urinary tract or kidney infection and pneumonia.

“If you do have an injury or cut and there’s puss or a redness around the area and you’re feeling unwell, ask yourself could it be sepsis,” Dr Prior said.

“If you are not your normal self and you know you have an infection, [go to the emergency department].

“Signs of sepsis can include shivers, cold, confusion, drowsiness, fast heart rate, weakness, fatigue and not passing much urine.”

With support from the Adelaide Health Foundation, four dedicated Sepsis Trolleys have been placed in the emergency department and wards at TUH.

According to TUH, the trolleys will improve the management of sepsis and help with the completion of the Sepsis Six within the one-hour time-frame, thus improving patient outcomes.

The Sepsis Six includes – take blood cultures, check full blood count and lactate, IV fluids, IV antibiotics, monitor urine output and give oxygen.

Staff at TUH also engaged in educational events this week, including a live sepsis simulation challenge.

Visit TUH’s social media or HSE.ie for further information on sepsis.