Overview

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. According to recent estimates, one in eighteen deaths in Canada involves sepsis, making it the twelfth leading cause of death nationally. Globally, sepsis affects an estimated 18 million people each year. The condition remains a leading cause of death in the Global South. 

Many patients diagnosed with sepsis require care in the Intensive Care Unit, placing a considerable burden on the healthcare system. The cost of treating sepsis in Canada amounts to $325 million annually. Even as the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis improve, rates are on the rise. 

Definition of Sepsis

In 2016, a team of global experts came together to redefine sepsis. The new guidelines, called Sepsis-3, split the condition into two subgroups based on severity: sepsis and septic shock.

Who is at Risk?

Sepsis does not discriminate between race, age, or sex; however, certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. Untreated infections are the primary cause of sepsis, but any infection puts patients at risk. Infections commonly leading to sepsis include: pneumonia, abdominal infections, kidney and urinary tract infections, certain viruses like the flu, and parasites like malaria. It is important to visit a physician as soon as you suspect that you or a loved one may have an infection.

Other risk factors include:

• Chronic disease (ex. Diabetes, Heart Disease, or COPD)

• Being 75+ years of age

• Drug use, especially by injection

• Tobacco and tobacco product consumption

• Use of immunosuppressive agents (ex. chemotherapy, corticosteroids)

Sepsis Facts