Diagnosis and management of sepsis in the older adult

What you need to knowDiagnosing sepsis in older adults is difficult, with organ dysfunction often reflecting comorbidities rather than a dysregulated response to infectionThe term sepsis should not be used to describe uncomplicated infection and should ideally be limited to cases with organ dysfunction consequent upon a dysregulated host responseFrailty and comorbidities are key determinants of outcome in older adults with sepsisManagement needs to take into account frailty, comorbidities, patient values, and the limited applicability of available evidence and guidelinesSepsis is a common cause for hospital admission that carries a high risk of death.1 In 2021-22, over 100 000 emergency admissions with sepsis were reported in England and Wales, with a mean patient age of 71 years.2 Adults admitted to hospital with sepsis are typically older and often have multimorbidity and functional limitations.3 Increasing degrees of frailty are associated with increased mortality in older people hospitalised for any reason,4 and…
Read Original Article: Diagnosis and management of sepsis in the older adult »