top of page

Septicaemia

The common causes in neonates are Group B strep and Listeria.


The common causes in children are S.pneumoniae, N.meningitidis, and S.aureus.


In Septic Shock, there's cardiovascular dysfunction in which the BP drops → Hypoperfusion → Raised Lactate.


Presentation

  • Poor feeding

  • Inconsolable crying

  • Altered mental state – e.g. sleepiness, irritability, lethargy, floppiness

  • Pale or mottled skin

  • O/E - Increased WOB, Tachycardia, Fever or hypothermia, Prolonged CRT, Non-blanching rash (very worrying sign, and puts the child at high risk)


Management - SEPSIS 6

  1. High-flow O2

  2. Get IV/IO access and take:

    1. Blood Cultures

    2. Bloods – Glucose, FBC, U&E, CRP, INR

    3. Blood Gas – Lactate, Acidosis

  3. Give IV/IO Abx – Broad-spectrum

  4. IVF – 20ml/kg IV bolus of 0.9% Saline over 5-10 mins if Lactate > 2mmol/L or Shock

    1. Repeat if necessary and aim for normal physiological parameters

  5. Involve seniors early

  6. Consider Inotropic support early if normal physiological parameters aren’t reached after >40ml/kg of Fluids



bottom of page