Sepsis: Researchers find how hydrocortisone improve treatment of septic shock

Source: The post is based on the article “Researchers find how hydrocortisone improve treatment of septic shock” published in The Print on 24th May 2023

What is the News?

An international team of researchers studied the role of hydrocortisone in the management of adult patients with septic shock.

They found that while hydrocortisone had a minor effect on overall survival, it was related to a reduction in the requirement for vasopressor medicines and an improvement in survival when given in combination with other corticosteroids.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme reaction to an infection. This reaction causes drastic changes in the body and can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Stages: Doctors have identified three stages of sepsis:

– Sepsis: An infection reaches the bloodstream and causes inflammation in the body.

– Severe sepsis: The infection is severe enough to affect organ function.

– Septic shock: There’s a significant drop in blood pressure that can lead to respiratory or heart failure, stroke, dysfunction of other organs, and possibly death.

Caused by: Sepsis is most often caused by bacterial infections but almost any infection can cause sepsis if left untreated. Both sepsis and septic shock can happen to anyone.

Cases: Sepsis is a global health problem, impacting 55 million patients and killing 11 million people each year. 

Treatment: Sepsis treatment may include early detection, source management, antibiotics, fluids, vasopressors and adjuvant therapy.