High health risk due to blood poisoning

Experts warn of health risk of blood poisoning (sepsis)

03.02.2011

Blood poisoning in Germany is responsible for more deaths than breast or colon cancer. To date, the health risk of sepsis is far too often underestimated, experts warn.

Sepsis, with around 60,000 deaths annually, is the third leading cause of death in Germany. The intensive care physician Konrad Reinhart from the University Hospital Jena, chairman of the „Global Sepsis Alliance“, A global coalition of sepsis experts said that, like heart attacks or strokes, so-called blood poisoning is a medical emergency that counts every hour. But with the health risk of blood poisoning in this country is often handled too lightly.

Blood poisoning is a complex systemic inflammatory reaction
Sepsis develops as a complex systemic inflammatory reaction when the body's own antibodies are unable to control an infection. For example, lung or renal pelvic inflammation can rapidly seize the entire body in case of failure of the immune system and possibly lead to organ failure, said Konrad Reinhart. The expert is leading a study with 40 participating hospitals nationwide, which as a quality offensive since December of last year to contribute to the information, training and training of doctors and nurses to minimize any delays in sepsis treatment. The Confederation contributes around 1.2 million euros to the four-year study. The University Hospital Jena, to which Konrad Reinhart belongs, is one of the leading institutions in sepsis research. A 5.4 million euro laboratory building will be created here by the autumn at the Center for Integrated Sepsis Research.

150,000 blood poisonings per year in Germany
The expert from Jena University Hospital explained that around one third of the 150,000 sepsis diseases in Germany occur outside hospitals. Until a corresponding diagnosis of the blood poisoning is present, it often takes too much time, emphasized Reinhart. Because the nonspecific symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or low blood pressure are difficult to detect, especially for inexperienced physicians as evidence of sepsis, said Reinhart. „Our goal is to treat all patients with antibiotics and cardiovascular support as early as possible within the first hour after diagnosis“, continues the expert of the University Hospital Jena. Because with each hour gained, the mortality of the patient can be reduced by eight percent, Reinhart emphasized.

Infection spreads through the bloodstream
Because the spread of the infection - usually via the bloodstream - represents the actual danger for the survival of the patients, an early treatment can significantly increase the chances of survival of those affected. The further the infection has spread in the organism, the more critical the situation becomes for those affected. Because, in a local infection actually meaningful inflammatory reaction is now the actual engine of sepsis, explain the experts. Thus, in an overreaction of the organism, large amounts of transmitter substances would be released, causing the inflammation to affect the entire body. This leads to symptoms such as swelling, circulatory disorders and lack of oxygen, without the pathogens would be combated. According to the expert, the affected organs lose their function and as soon as vital organs fail, the survival chances of the patients are extremely poor.

Septic shock and multiple organ failure due to blood poisoning
A septic shock as a possible consequence of blood poisoning is one of the most threatening developments that sepsis can take. The blood circulation in the capillaries is reduced by the blood poisoning and there is an oxygen deficiency of the tissue, which could ultimately lead to massive metabolic disorders. In addition, according to the experts coagulation disorders, multi-organ failure or septic dislocations in the brain (can lead to inflammation in the brain) possible consequences of blood poisoning. In any case, a sepsis therefore requires immediate intensive care treatment and sufferers should urgently consult a doctor at the first sign. (Fp)

Image: Gerd Altmann, Pixelio.de