What is the Blood Culture Recovery Rate After Antibiotic Pretreatment?

Discussion Sepsis is an inflammatory response syndrome in the presence of an infection, it can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood. Studies from the US show an increased incidence of sepsis (0.56 to 0.89 cases/1000 children in all age groups) but a decreased fatality rate from 10.3% to 8.9%. The prevalence of severe sepsis in pediatric intensive care settings is reported in as many as 7.7% of admissions. Severe sepsis is more common when patients have co-morbities. Primary prevention includes immunization and appropriate precautions and procedures (i.e. catheter access) in hospitalized children or those with chronic medical needs. Prophylactic antibiotics for patients with neutropenia are also a secondary intervention. Sepsis can be difficult to diagnose in any patient and particularly in children; symptoms can be non-specific or vague. One of the biggest problems with sepsis treatment is its recognition. Body temperature may be inappropriately low or high, inappropriate tachycardia or mental status changes and reduced peripheral perfusion are clinical features of sepsis. Hypotension may not occur initially but it can also be difficult to obtain a blood pressure on a child. Mainstays of treatment are early antibiotic administration and supportive measures especially fluid resuscitation. Vasopressor medications also can help support patients. Obtaining peripheral and central access can be difficult in pediatric patients...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news