Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and sepsis in hospitals are a common and unfortunate complication. Every year, around one out of every 25 hospital patients develops an HAI, with many of these infections developing into sepsis or other complications. The consistent rate of HAIs occurring in hospitals across the United States has the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations taking an aggressive approach to prevent infections and ensure that hospitals adhere to standards.
Read on to learn more about HAIs and sepsis in hospitals, and what these often preventable infections could mean for your health. If you have questions about HAIs and your legal rights, contact our Houston medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your case.
HAIs are More Dangerous than Viral Infections
Unlike the more common viral infection, HAIs are caused by bacteria, which is aggressive and often resistant to antibiotics. This makes HAIs a tremendous concern for patients and the healthcare community at large. Without immediate and appropriate treatment, HAIs can quickly develop into complicated infections, such as sepsis or septic shock. In fact, a large portion of HAIs reported in hospitals are related to sepsis.
Sepsis is a type of HAI that occurs most commonly after surgery, among patients with compromised immune systems, patients with chronic health conditions, and the elderly. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences estimates that over one million Americans develop sepsis in hospitals each year. Of those, 15 to 30 percent die. Furthermore, these rates have continued to rise in recent years. The continued increase in the rate of sepsis in hospitals is attributed to:
- Increased tracking and data collection.
- Average age of Americans increasing, making the population of individuals living with chronic conditions also increasing.
- Many infections are resistant to antibiotics, which can increase the risk of developing sepsis.
- Organ transplants continue to be more common. Patients receiving an organ transplant are at a much higher risk of developing an HAI or sepsis.
Why is Sepsis So Common in Hospitals?
Sepsis is the body’s immune response to infection, most commonly caused by bacteria. The chemicals released into the bloodstream to combat infection restrict blood flow and cause inflammation. Rather than fighting the infection, the overwhelming response leads to oxygen deprivation in the organs, a drop in blood pressure, and can lead to multiple organ failures.
In hospitals, sepsis is often caused by an underlying infection or bacteria that has been introduced into the body during the course of medical care. Some of the most common causes of sepsis in hospitals include:
Also called central venous catheters or intravenous catheters (IV), central lines are one of the most common causes for HAIs and sepsis in hospitals. Central lines are inserted into large veins in the neck, chest, or groin areas, and depending on the condition being treated, the line may remain in place for several days or weeks, or even months. Because central lines are inserted into major veins and are kept in place for longer durations, the risk of infection and serious complications are higher.
Urinary Tract Infections
Many hospital patients require the use of a urinary catheter. This catheter is inserted into the urethra, and serves as a drain for urine during hospitalization. Urinary catheters are a common cause of infections, including the common catheter-associated urinary tract infection, or CAUTI. These are the most common HAI occurring in hospitals, with at least 75 percent of all UTIs occurring in hospitals being classified as a CAUTI.
Surgical Site Infections
Surgical site infections are a common risk factor in hospitals. Any time surgery is performed, there is a chance of bacteria entering the body. During recovery, there are also further opportunities for bacteria to move into the wound if it is not properly cleaned, covered, and taken care of. Surgical site infections are called SSIs, and can easily develop into sepsis 