Confusion over blood poisoning

Sepsis is a form of blood poisoning

Widespread confusion among the medical profession about a deadly form of blood poisoning is costing lives, a survey has found.

Sepsis is estimated to kill 1,400 people world-wide every day.

However, the condition, presents a range of symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose.

Sepsis is notoriously hard to diagnose

Dr Graham Ramsay, European Society of Intensive Care Medicine

Symptoms range from fever and inflammation to blood clotting and organ failure.

The condition, which is caused by bacteria entering a wound or body tissue, is often spread in hospitals as people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

An international survey on the illness by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) found that 81% of European and American doctors who took part felt that part of the problem was that there was no standard definition of the condition.

They said such a definition would help to improve treatment of the condition, and prevent deaths.

Symptom variation

Dr Graham Ramsay, ESICM president, said: "Sepsis is notoriously hard to diagnose because so many of the symptoms such as fever, rapid pulse and respiratory difficulty can be attributed to other medical conditions.

"A universal definition would be a vital first step in aiding the medical community in effective management of sepsis."

The ESICM survey also found:

• 86% of the doctors who took part said sepsis was among the most challenging conditions a doctor could treat
• 87% believed the development of the illness is not clearly understood
• nearly 90% said a breakthrough in treatment was needed

Patients suffering from sepsis are usually given antibiotics but there is no treatment that specifically targets the escalating symptoms.

Dr Ramsay said: "A comprehensive and consistent programme of education within the medical community is going to be essential if there is to be confidence in diagnosing sepsis and treating it as early as possible."

More than 1,000 doctors in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Britain and the United States took part in the poll.