Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSepsis and Older AdultsSymptoms in the ElderlyDiagnostic TestsSeptic Shock SymptomsLong-Term Risks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sepsis and Older Adults
Symptoms in the Elderly
Diagnostic Tests
Septic Shock Symptoms
Long-Term Risks
Sepsis is a serious conditionin which the body has an abnormal response to an infection, leading the body’s systems to turn on itself. This causes tissue damage and organ failure. Older adults, especially those aged 65 and older, are more likely to develop sepsis and be at risk for long-term complications or death. Thus, it’s important to identify sepsis symptoms in the elderly as early as possible.
This article explains common symptoms of sepsis and complications that are more likely to affect older adults.
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Each year, about 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis, and approximately 270,000 die from the condition.The majority of the deaths are in individuals over the age of 65.
Older adults are at risk for sepsis for several reasons:
Sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide and responsible for nearly 20% of deaths. It is also acommon complication of receiving healthcare, with about 15 out of every 1,000 hospitalized patients developing sepsis.
Of hospitalized adults who died ortransferred to hospice, sepsis may be present in over 50% of cases. However, in individuals with significant risk factors, sepsis-related deaths may not always be preventable—even with improved care. Many patients already have incurable underlying diseases or conditions, such as metastatic cancer.
Symptoms of Sepsis in the Elderly
Sepsis is oftenconfused with septicemia, which means an infection has entered the bloodstream. Sepsis is a complication of septicemia.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect you or someone you care for has sepsis, seek emergency medical care and inform the medical provider that you are concerned the patient has sepsis. Most hospitals have sepsis bundles, a protocol of immediate interventions that they can implement quickly to streamline care.
There are several symptoms of sepsis. Patients generally feel ill and may experience weakness or flu-like symptoms such as fevers and chills. Symptoms may include:
Tests to Diagnose and Monitor Sepsis
A healthcare provider evaluates symptoms and may run additional tests to diagnose sepsis. It is essential toidentify patients with sepsis quickly, and several screening tools are available for clinicians to use if they suspect sepsis.
The 2021 Guidelines for Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends using the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), or Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) screening tools. Previously, the guidelines recommended a screening tool called the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA).
Regardless of the screening tool utilized, each aims to recognize symptoms of sepsis, such as low blood pressure and increased respiration rate, to provide care quickly.
Early treatment will include antibiotics and fluids within the first hour.
Diagnosing Sepsis
If a healthcare provider suspects sepsis, time is crucial. Tests your healthcare team will likely order include:
In patients with sepsis, a lot happens simultaneously, and time is crucial. Fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered within the first hour of suspected sepsis. Treatment will co-occur with diagnostics and monitoring. Once an organism is identified, antibiotic treatment will be tailored to treat the specific root cause of the infection.
Monitoring Sepsis Severity
The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) helps to predict mortality and is commonly used to monitor sepsis in an intensive care unit setting. The score ranges from 0-24, with higher scores indicating a higher likelihood of mortality. It assesses the following:
Your healthcare team will run additional tests as needed to monitor how your body is responding to your treatment plan.
What Is Sepsis?
Symptoms of Septic Shock
If sepsis worsens, the person may developseptic shock, which is dangerouslylow blood pressure. If blood pressure is too low, then vital organs do not receive blood flow and can shut down.
Symptoms of septic shock are similar to sepsis. However, in addition to sepsis symptoms, other symptoms of organ failure are present.
For example, the kidneys tend to be the first organ to shut down. Without enough blood supply for them to work, urine output decreases.Blood clotsmay form throughout the body, causing a further reduction in blood flow and additional organ damage.
Septic shock is a medical emergency, and patients are treated in an intensive care unit. Over one-third of those diagnosed with septic shock may die.
What Is Septic Shock?
Long-Term Risks and Complications of Sepsis in Elderly Patients
Long-term complications can happen after a sepsis infection in the elderly. For example, sepsis and reduced blood flow or blood clots can lead to amputation.A patient may recover but no longer have several fingers or, in more severe cases, an arm or leg.
Of the patients who recover, approximately one-third die in the year following their sepsis event. Additionally, up to 40% of patients are readmitted within 90 days of discharge.
Other complications can include permanent organ damage. An individual may experience kidney failure after sepsis recovery. Sepsis may also permanently alter the immune system.Sepsis may also worsenpreexisting chronic conditions.
If you are concerned about PSS, contact a healthcare provider. Treatment options and support groups are available.
Summary
Sepsis is a serious condition and delays in treatment increase mortality. Elderly people, especially those with other health problems, are at additional risk for harmful complications of sepsis.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one has sepsis, seek emergency medical care. The faster the person is treated, the better the chances are for recovery.
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