Sepsis
What is sepsis and septic shock?
Your child has been treated for sepsis. Sepsis occurs when the body develops an overwhelming response to an infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal). This response may affect how well the heart, lung, or kidneys work. Any infection, like pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), strep, and influenza (the “flu”), can cause sepsis, but most infections in children do not lead to sepsis. The cause of sepsis is unknown.
Most children with sepsis get better with medical treatment. Recovery depends on the severity and cause of the infection. The most severe form of sepsis is called septic shock. Sometimes, the infection that causes sepsis cannot be identified.
Will my child have side effects from sepsis?
Your child may act differently when you first go home. For most children, behavior will return to normal within a few weeks. But recovery for some children may take longer. Below are some examples:
Some children can develop sepsis again in the future. Signs and symptoms include:
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Fever
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Shivering (or feeling very cold)
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High heart rate
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Breathing fast
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Shortness of breath
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Confusion, disorientation and lethargy
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Cold or pale hands and feet
Sepsis follow-up
The Pediatric Sepsis Program (PSP) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is available to follow-up with you with a brief phone call in about 2 months after your child is discharged from the hospital. During this phone call, the PSP nurse will conduct a brief health assessment. If the assessment reveals any concerns, the PSP health care team will provide further resources. If a follow-up with the PSP team has not already been arranged, or for questions and concerns, call the Pediatric Sepsis Program at 215-590-1550 or email [email protected].
Reviewed May 2024 by Nadia Hill, MBBS