Management of Septic Shock and Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children

Patient Guideline Summary

Publication Date: February 1, 2020

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) for septic shock and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction in children.

Overview

Overview

  • Sepsis is a life-threatening infection spreading in the blood.
  • We will use the abbreviation SCCM to refer to the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
  • Sepsis is spread from a localized infection somewhere in the body.
  • Symptoms include fever, chills, breathing difficulties, and confusion. It can cause blood clots, shock, organ failure, and death.
  • This patient summary focuses on managing sepsis in children.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Acutely ill children require immediate evaluation for sepsis.
    • SCCM recommends a standardized evaluation protocol and early blood cultures.

Treatment

Treatment

  • SCCM recommends:
    • Individualized intensive care with attention to:
      • Fluid needs
      • Blood pressure
      • Breathing
      • Nutrition
      • Sedation – reducing the child’s emotional distress
    • Close, frequent monitoring
    • Early antibiotics, later modified by laboratory tests.
    • Identifying and treating the location of the initial infection
    • Other medications or treatments as needed.

Abbreviations

  • SCCM: Society Of Critical Care Medicine

Source Citation

Weiss SL, Peters MJ, Alhazzani W, Agus MSD, Flori HR, Inwald DP, Nadel S, Schlapbach LJ, Tasker RC, Argent AC, Brierley J, Carcillo J, Carrol ED, Carroll CL, Cheifetz IM, Choong K, Cies JJ, Cruz AT, De Luca D, Deep A, Faust SN, De Oliveira CF, Hall MW, Ishimine P, Javouhey E, Joosten KFM, Joshi P, Karam O, Kneyber MCJ, Lemson J, MacLaren G, Mehta NM, Møller MH, Newth CJL, Nguyen TC, Nishisaki A, Nunnally ME, Parker MM, Paul RM, Randolph AG, Ranjit S, Romer LH, Scott HF, Tume LN, Verger JT, Williams EA, Wolf J, Wong HR, Zimmerman JJ, Kissoon N, Tissieres P. Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the Management of Septic Shock and Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2020 Feb;21(2):e52-e106. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0000000000002198. PMID: 32032273.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.