Urosepsis is a bacterial infection of the blood that arises as a complication of an untreated urinary tract infection. Bacteria from the bladder can travel up into a patient's kidneys where it can enter the bloodstream, causing urosepsis---also known as sepsis. Patients who develop urosepsis can experience symptoms such as body temperature changes, skin rash, chills, confusion or dizziness. Complications of urosepsis are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Patients with urosepsis can develop disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC as a complication of this infection. DIC is a condition characterized by extensive blood clot formation throughout the body. Blood clots can prevent the normal flow of blood to the body's cells, organs and tissues. Patients who develop DIC can experience severe symptoms, including excessive bleeding, difficulty breathing, confusion or skin bruising or discoloration, warn PDRHealth medical professionals. Rapid blood loss can cause a significant decrease in a patient's blood pressure and requires immediate medical intervention.
Poor Blood Flow to Organs
Inadequate blood flow through the body can occur as a complication of urosepsis, explain MedlinePlus health professionals. The body's vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, require healthy, oxygen rich blood to function normally. Without sufficient blood supplies, the vital organs can begin to malfunction or shut down. Poor blood flow to the vital organs is a medical emergency.
Septic Shock
Urosepsis that is left untreated can progress to a life-threatening condition called septic shock. Septic shock causes a dramatic drop in a patient's blood pressure. Symptoms of septic shock can include a decreased body temperature, shaking, chills, increased heart rate, shortness of breath and blue skin discoloration, report the National Health Services. Patients with urosepsis who display septic shock symptoms require emergency medical attention.
Death
Up to 60 percent of patients who develop bacterial infections of the bloodstream can experience fatal medical complications, according to MedlinePlus. Patients with alternate underlying medical issues, such as a compromised immune system, are at the highest risk of dying following urosepsis.
