Sepsis Management in ICU
When sepsis progresses to organ failure, antibiotics alone are no longer enough. Blood pressure has to be supported, kidneys may need dialysis and breathing may need a ventilator, all while the source of the infection is found and dealt with.
- Circulation supported with medication
- Dialysis at the bedside if kidneys fail
- Source of infection actively hunted
- Antibiotics narrowed as cultures return
Stay
5 to 14 days typically
Duration
Continuous care
Anaesthesia
Sedation while ventilated
About Sepsis Management in ICU
Severe sepsis needs two things at once: support for whatever is failing, and control of the source. Finding the source matters as much as the antibiotics, because an abscess or infected collection will not respond to drugs alone and needs drainage or surgery. Antibiotics start broad and are narrowed as cultures identify the organism.
- Source control matters as much as antibiotics
- Antibiotics start broad and are narrowed on results
- Blood pressure support is given through a central line
- Kidney failure in sepsis is often reversible
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about sepsis management in icu. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest sepsis management in icu.
- Sepsis with low blood pressure not responding to fluids
- Sepsis with kidney failure
- Sepsis with breathing failure
- Infection with confusion and reduced urine output
- Post-operative infection with deterioration
- Any infection causing organ dysfunction
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Resuscitation
Fluids, antibiotics and oxygen are given immediately. Blood pressure support through a central line follows if fluids are not enough.
Finding the source
Imaging and examination hunt for the source, because an abscess or collection will not respond to antibiotics alone.
Organ support
Ventilation and dialysis are provided where breathing or kidneys fail, and continued while the infection is treated.
Narrowing and weaning
Antibiotics are narrowed as cultures return, and support is reduced as organs recover.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- This is an emergency, so there is nothing to prepare
- Family should bring information about recent surgery, catheters or infections
- Mention immunosuppressive medication, steroids or chemotherapy
- Expect several conversations over days as the picture develops
- Ask when the daily update is given
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Recovery from severe sepsis is slow and setbacks are common
- Kidney function often recovers, though dialysis may be needed for a period
- Weakness after severe sepsis lasts weeks to months
- Physiotherapy begins in the unit
- Follow-up is arranged, as recovery continues long after discharge
Why choose Humayun for sepsis in intensive care
Severe sepsis is won or lost on speed of antibiotics and on finding the source.
- Antibiotics within the first hour, with cultures taken first
- The source actively hunted with imaging rather than assumed
- Dialysis available at the bedside, so kidney failure does not mean a transfer
- Antibiotics narrowed as results return rather than continued broad indefinitely
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