The management of sepsis

Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2013 Nov-Dec;43(10):285-91. doi: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2013.10.005.

Abstract

Management of sepsis in the pediatric patient is guideline driven. The treatment occurs in two phases, the first hour being the most crucial. Initial treatment consists of timely recognition of shock and interventions aimed at supporting cardiac output and oxygen delivery along with administration of antibiotics. The mainstay of treatment for this phase is fluid resuscitation. For patients in whom this intervention does not reverse the shock medications to support blood pressure should be started and respiratory support may be necessary. Differentiation between warm and cold shock and risk factors for adrenal insufficiency will guide further therapy. Beyond the first hour of treatment patients may require intensive care unit care where invasive monitoring may assist with further treatment options should shock not be reversed in the initial hour of care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Critical Care / methods
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Fluid Therapy*
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Resuscitation* / methods
  • Sepsis / diagnosis
  • Sepsis / physiopathology*
  • Sepsis / therapy*
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Shock, Septic / therapy
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents