rge. 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, o