How is it Diagnosed?
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response
to infection. Diagnosis requires prompt recognition and evaluation using clinical,
laboratory, and imaging tools.
The most widely used definition involves a confirmed or suspected infection along with
evidence of acute organ dysfunction, typically assessed using the SOFA (Sequential
Organ Failure Assessment) score. An acute increase in SOFA score of ≥2 points
indicates sepsis.
Initial evaluation includes identifying signs such as fever or hypothermia, tachycardia,
tachypnea, hypotension, altered mental status, and decreased urine output. A quick
bedside tool, qSOFA (respiratory rate ≥22/min, altered mentation, systolic BP ≤100
mmHg), helps identify patients at risk.
Laboratory investigations include complete blood count (usually showing leukocytosis
or leukopenia), elevated CRP and procalcitonin (inflammatory markers), blood cultures,
serum lactate (elevated >2 mmol/L indicates tissue hypoperfusion), renal and liver
function tests, and coagulation profile.
Blood cultures and cultures from other suspected sites (urine, sputum, wounds) are
obtained prior to initiating antibiotics. Imaging such as chest X-ray, abdominal
ultrasound, or CT scan may help identify the source of infection.
Timely diagnosis and management within the first hour (the “golden hour”) are critical to
improving survival rates. Early administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and
supportive care is the cornerstone of sepsis treatment.