Urosepsis is the result of a urinary tract infection that gets into the bloodstream. Bacteria will move from the bladder into the kidneys and crosses into blood. If left untreated, urosepsis can result in complications that can shut down major organs of the body and lead to death.
Significance
Urinary tract infections, also referred to as UTIs, are common infections for which patients will seek medical attention for and are associated with urosepsis. The infection is caused by a bacteria or by an abnormality in the urinary tract that obstructs the flow of urine, such as a kidney stone. Patients with a UTI will usually complain of feeling the need to urinate frequently and with pain and difficulty. Mild UTIs can usually be treated with antibiotics and patients do not have any major complications.
Urosepsis Symptoms
According to the "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine", urosepsis is most likely to be found in patients who have indwelling bladder catheters, elders and patients who are have weakened immune systems. Elderly patients living in extended care facilities often present with urosepsis. In the elderly, the signs and symptoms of urosepsis may be nonspecific. The patient may have fever, confusion, weakness and dehydration.
Complications
The infection is a systemic response throughout the body. As the infection progresses, the result is system wide inflammation and impaired bleeding disorders. Once the body is overwhelmed with the infection, multiple organs, such as the respiratory and cardiac system, kidneys and liver, may shut down.
Identification
The identification or diagnosis of urosepsis is based on laboratory studies of the urine and blood cultures to look for bacteria. Obtaining an accurate history from the patient or caregiver is also an important part of making the diagnosis. The early symptoms may be similar to other diseases, making the identification of urosepsis somewhat difficult.
Treatment
Patients with urosepsis require immediate treatment. Initial treatment will include oxygen to help maintain perfusion to the tissues. Intravenous fluids will be given to correct the dehydration and antibiotics to fight the infection. In some cases, patients will require medications to maintain their blood pressure and mechanical breathing support as major organs decompensate.
References
- "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine"; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010
- "Essentials of Critical Care Nursing"; McGraw Hill; 2008
