infections
Sepsis and Septic Shock
Risk Factors for Sepsis and Septic Shock
The risk of sepsis is increased in people with conditions that reduce their ability to fight serious infections. These conditions include the following: Being a newborn (see Sepsis in Newborns ) Being an older adult Being pregnant Having certain chronic disorders such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or Having a weakened immune system due to use of drugs that suppress the immune system (such as Chemotherapy and Other Systemic Cancer Treatments or corticosteroids) or due to certain disorders (such as Having been recently treated with antibiotics or corticosteroids Having recently been hospitalized (especially in an intensive care unit) The risk is also increased in people who are more likely to have bacteria enter their bloodstream. Such people include those who have a medical device inserted into the body (such as a catheter inserted into a vein or the urinary tract, drainage tubes, or breathing tubes). When medical devices are inserted, they can move bacteria into the body. Bacteria may also collect on the surface of such devices, making infection and sepsis more likely. The longer the device is left in place, the greater the risk. Other conditions also increase the risk of sepsis: Injecting : The drugs and needles used are rarely sterile. Each injection may cause bacteremia to varying degrees. People who use these drugs are also at risk of disorders that can weaken the immune system (such as AIDS). Having an Surgery or heart valve or certain Having an infection that persists despite treatment with antibiotics: Some bacteria that cause infections and sepsis are resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics do not eradicate the resistant bacteria. Thus, if an infection persists in people who are taking antibiotics, it is more likely to be caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and that can cause sepsis. 