2023-09-24 18:30:13
ICU Doctors and Internal Medicine Organizations Call for Increased Research on Sepsis
The scientific organizations of ICU doctors and internal medicine are urging the Ministry of Health to prioritize research into sepsis. According to doctors, sepsis is one of the deadliest conditions in the Netherlands, with approximately 5,000 deaths attributed to it each year. The number of fatalities is expected to rise due to the aging population, as older individuals are more vulnerable to sepsis.
While sepsis is a dangerous condition, it can be easily treated with antibiotics and fluid administration if detected early. Physician-researcher Feike Loots explains, “You can achieve significant health benefits by recognizing sepsis in a patient more quickly, often through the general practitioner.” Loots conducted research on sepsis in general practice and believes that early recognition can significantly reduce the mortality rate.
Sepsis is an intense inflammatory response of the body to common infections such as bladder or lung infections. It can also develop after a flu virus infection or a wound, causing the immune system to attack the organs. Approximately one-third of ICU patients with sepsis die.
Unfortunately, recognizing sepsis is not simple, even though it is one of the oldest syndromes known. Even Hippocrates, the Greek physician considered the founder of Western medicine, wrote about it. However, there is currently no test available for sepsis, such as through blood tests.
Early symptoms of sepsis, such as fever, chills, and increased heart rate, can often indicate other, less serious illnesses. However, if left untreated, sepsis can lead to death within 24 hours of the first symptoms.
To improve early recognition, Utrecht professor of acute internal medicine Karin Kaasjager suggests creating a large database of sepsis cases and utilizing artificial intelligence to identify patterns in symptoms. This knowledge would then contribute to developing tools for early recognition.
Iwan van der Horst, chairman of the Dutch Association for Intensive Care, supports this idea and emphasizes the need for a clear care pathway for sepsis. Quick and effective transfers within the healthcare system are crucial in treating sepsis.
To achieve these goals, the Ministry of Health must prioritize sepsis research. Currently, subsidies for research can be obtained through the existing Infectious Disease Control process, but healthcare professionals argue that a specific program focused on sepsis would be more effective.
The lack of public awareness about sepsis is also concerning. Previous research indicated that four out of five Dutch people do not know what sepsis is. Countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have run extensive public campaigns on sepsis awareness, resulting in higher knowledge among the population. Professor Kaasjager supports implementing similar campaigns in the Netherlands, as increased awareness among citizens can alert doctors to potential cases of sepsis and save lives.
However, there are differing opinions on the usefulness of public campaigns among doctors. Some fear that it may lead to more false alarms in an already overloaded emergency room. Striking a balance between quick action and unnecessary interventions in the healthcare system is a challenge that requires better interpretation of sepsis symptoms.
In conclusion, ICU doctors and internal medicine organizations are urging the Ministry of Health to prioritize sepsis research to improve early recognition and treatment of this deadly condition.]
#intervention #sepsis #common #deadly #due #aging #population