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.

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/