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 