Sepsis is our number one quality priority: Day 16 of our campaign

November 16, 2018

Message on behalf of Dr. Nick Makwana MD, Consultant Paediatrician

For paediatrics:

Sepsis in children is often difficult to diagnose and symptoms may mimic other common neonatal and childhood illnesses. Febrile illness is the second most common cause for attendance to an emergency department after breathing problems. However, not all children with sepsis will present with fever. Signs and symptoms can be subtle and interpretation is dependent on a culture of awareness and suspicion of the condition. Mortality in children with infection once they are admitted to PICU is 15-20%, yet overall cohort mortality for sepsis is under 10%. It’s essential we spot sepsis early. It is important to complete the paediatric sepsis screening tool for all children who attend for assessment.

Sepsis is a medical emergency, and therefore all measures should be in place to tackle it like an emergency – prioritising prompt diagnosis and treatment. It has been demonstrated that the administration of antibiotics is time critical. The Paediatric Sepsis 6 is modelled on the adult Sepsis Six programme. It is designed to empower medical and nursing staff to recognise sepsis early and initiate treatment rapidly. Where doubt exists, a clinician experienced in the recognition of sepsis in children should be consulted immediately and the basic components of the Paediatric Sepsis 6 initiated as appropriate. The Paediatric Sepsis 6 should be completed within one hour of initial identification, without waiting for the results of further investigations. Following delivery of the Paediatric Sepsis 6, children should be monitored closely and care escalated appropriately regardless of the time of day or experience of the staff.

Thank you to all those who look after children in ensuring an accurate assessment and speedy response should sepsis be suspected.