Sepsis

Bacterial sepsis is a life-threatening condition resulting from the body's extreme response to a bacterial infection, leading to systemic inflammation and potential organ dysfunction. It arises when bacteria enter the bloodstream, triggering a dysregulated immune response that can progress to septic shock and death if not promptly treated. Common symptoms include fever, rapid heart rate, fast breathing, confusion, and severe body pain, with advanced cases showing signs of organ failure. In premature infants, sepsis is a rare but critical illness characterized by systemic organ dysfunction due to infection acquired before or during birth—classified as early-onset or late-onset neonatal sepsis. Risk factors include prematurity, and clinical manifestations range from nonspecific signs like irritability and poor feeding to severe complications such as respiratory distress, hypotension, shock, and multi-organ failure. Early recognition and aggressive treatment are essential for survival.
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