Post-Sepsis Syndrome: Lasting Health Concerns for Sepsis Survivors

When you learn that a loved one recovered after contracting a sepsis infection in a nursing home, you will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief. However, surviving sepsis is not the end of a person’s struggles with related health issues. Sepsis Alliance, a non-profit organization that aims to reduce the suffering from an infection, reports that around 50 percent of survivors will continue to experience some effects after treatment – i.e., post-sepsis syndrome. Your loved one could be plagued by physical or psychological problems in the long term due to negligence that caused the initial sepsis infection.

If someone close to you recently recovered after being treated for sepsis, it is critical to watch for the symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome and communicate with health care providers. Plus, because you may have legal options under Florida med mal laws, you should get in touch with a Miami sepsis malpractice lawyer right away.

Post-Sepsis Syndrome Symptoms and Risk Factors

Anyone who suffered and recovered from sepsis or septic shock can develop post-sepsis syndrome, but the condition is more common for:

• Individuals who were treated in a hospital intensive care unit;
• Patients that were hospitalized for an extended period; and,
• Older adults, many of whom reside in nursing homes or assisted living communities.

In certain situations, the cause of post-sepsis syndrome is known by health care providers, such as where the initial sepsis caused organ damage, destruction of tissues, or amputation. For other cases, a diagnosis is only available by reviewing the symptoms – which can overlap with many other medical conditions. Examples include extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and frequent infections. In other situations, post-sepsis syndrome manifests through psychological signs, such as:

• Nightmares and problems sleeping;
• Panic attacks and hallucinations;
• Depression and loss of self-esteem;
• Decreased cognitive abilities; and,
• Many others.
  

Post-Sepsis Syndrome Treatment

There is no known cure for post-sepsis syndrome, but there are strategies for treating the specific symptoms and reducing discomfort. The first priority is getting an accurate diagnosis, which may mean working with a health care provider with knowledge of the signs and risk factors. A physician may recommend:

• Physical therapy;
• Medication for pain or help sleeping;
• Counseling and support for psychological disorders;
• Cognitive therapy; and,
• Many other types of care.

There are costs associated with treating post-sepsis syndrome, which your loved one would not have incurred if health care providers exercised proper care to protect against the initial infection and sepsis. You may qualify to recover these costs and other types of compensation on behalf of the resident, including pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Horrific Effects Of Post-Sepsis Syndrome

Just when you think you are in the clear in terms of getting back to health, the post-sepsis syndrome can disrupt your recovery. This condition can have substantial psychological and physical implications, and the fact that it is preventable is cause for concern. It is essential to discuss your legal options with a Miami sepsis attorney if you experience any of the following effects of post-sepsis syndrome since you could have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit:

• Frequent infections after the initial onset of sepsis
• Difficulty sleeping, including falling or staying asleep, fatigue, and lethargy
• Pain and swelling in the limbs
• Hallucinations, panic attacks, and flashbacks to sepsis illness
• Depression, mood swings, angry outbursts
• Shortness of breath and chest pains

As you can see, the symptoms can be difficult to pinpoint and are often not outwardly visible. Employers and loved ones might expect that you have fully recovered, and even doctors may be unable to test or provide a diagnosis. There is no known treatment for post-sepsis syndrome, though certain therapies may alleviate discomfort and chronic pain.

Liability for Sepsis and Septic Shock

The symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome indicate the medical causes. For instance, respiratory issues are the result of sepsis infection in the lungs. However, when it comes to liability, there are legal causes that form the basis of a potential medical malpractice lawsuit. Negligence is typically behind a health care-acquired infection (HAI), including those that lead to sepsis and post-sepsis syndrome. Individual health care providers and health care systems can be held liable for failing to deliver care by medically accepted standards. Examples include:

• Not implementing appropriate policies for sanitation of tools and devices
• Failing to properly insert and remove catheters
• Not following proper handwashing procedures
• Failure to monitor a patient’s wound and vital signs for infection
• Improper post-operative care
• Neglecting to move and/or turn patients who are most at risk for developing bedsores and pressure ulcers

Discuss Your Options with a Florida Sepsis Malpractice Lawyer 

Your family should not have to bear losses associated with post-sepsis syndrome when the harm was caused by nursing home or health care provider negligence. For information on how to hold the relevant parties accountable through a medical malpractice claim, please contact the Miami medical malpractice lawyers at Freidin Brown, P.A. We can schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation at our offices.

Resource:

sepsis.org/sepsis-basics/post-sepsis-syndrome/