Sepsis Definitions (2016)
“plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”
The definitions of SEPSIS may have changed, but the need to recognise it and manage it appropriately has not.
The infographic below summarises the new definitions:
Whilst the "qSOFA" score doesn't lend itself to being easily remembered the following acronyms have been discussed:
HAT Score:
Hypotension
Altered mental state
Tachypnoea
BAT Score:
Blood pressure
Altered mental state
Tachypnoea
Plenty more will be written about the new definitions over the next few days and weeks, however the following remains key to managing sepsis:
Early recognition and treatment is vital.
SEPSIS Mimics will remain, and making a diagnosis at presentation can be challenging – keep an open mind and be prepared to treat more than one diagnosis if needed.
