Sepsis Blood poisoning is a multiple cause of death in children and adults

Sepsis: Blood poisoning is the second most common cause of death in children
More than 175,000 people in Germany suffer from blood poisoning every year, and almost one in three of them dies. Especially in children, in which sepsis is the second leading cause of death, the death rate could be significantly reduced according to experts. One problem is that the disease is often not recognized.

Death rate of children could be significantly reduced
In Germany, more than 175,000 annually contract sepsis, also known as blood poisoning. Nearly every third person dies from it. Not only risk patients fall ill, blood poisoning is also a danger to healthy people. To avoid the often lifelong consequences, fast action is required. But all too often a blood poisoning is not recognized or recognized late. In particular, the death rate of children with blood poisoning could, according to experts, be significantly reduced by better training of doctors.

Deadly sepsis: A quick treatment is essential. Image: Dr_Kateryna -fotolia

Second most common cause of death in children
The Secretary General of the German Sepsis Society, Frank Brunkhorst, told a news agency dpa that Sepsis is currently the second most common cause of death among children after accidents. A project in Lower Saxony shows how much deaths can be reduced. While the mortality rate is otherwise around ten percent, it could have been reduced to one to two percent in the northern German state through special training and care by doctors, explained Michael Sasse from the Hannover Medical School. "This is exemplary and should also make school in other states," commented Sepsis expert Brunkhorst enthusiastically.

Almost every third patient dies
The cause of blood poisoning is infection by bacteria or fungi. In the case of sepsis, the body's own defense gets out of control and attacks its own tissue. This can lead to the failure of vital organs. According to Brunkhorst, more than 175,000 patients in Germany contract sepsis each year - and the trend is rising. At about 30 percent, almost every third case ends fatally. Around 1,200 sepsis experts from Germany and abroad are currently exchanging views on treatment approaches and findings in Weimar. They focus mainly on the treatment of children.

Fast action is required
"The child's survival is decided in the first hour of treatment," said intensive care Sasse. "The disease is often recognized too late," says the expert. "If the treatment is delayed by only one hour, then the death rate increases extremely." In fact, the disease is in children with a "very aggressive and consistent immediate treatment" to get a good handle - including antibiotics. In order to prevent death by dangerous blood poisoning, however, the disease must first be diagnosed correctly and on time.

Symptoms are similar to those of a flu
In Lower Saxony, experts said they would be available for emergency purposes around the clock via the pediatric network. These can be flown in if needed or connected via video to help the local doctors. In addition, further education is organized. "Up to five out of every 1,000 pediatric patients (paediatrics) have severe sepsis," said Sasse. Ascending trend. The life expectancy of children with chronic diseases has increased with modern medicine - but they are more susceptible to sepsis.

Preemies were especially often affected. Since the symptoms are similar to those of a severe flu, septicemia is often not easy to recognize. Symptoms that occur during sepsis include fever, severe fatigue, chills and an increase in respiratory and heart rate. Brunkhorst emphasized that doctors and paramedics always have to think of sepsis for such symptoms. Otherwise, there is a risk that valuable time could pass. (Ad)