Stopping Sepsis: Calling All Innovators
On September 13 each year, researchers and clinicians around the world work to raise awareness of sepsis. Even though it causes 11 million deaths around the world each year, only 23% of Australians know what sepsis is and can name its symptoms.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a serious infection. It can lead to organ failure and death. And this World Sepsis Day, awareness is even more important because, like any viral or bacterial infection, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause sepsis.
Last week I wrote about how COVID-19 has exposed challenges in our global health system – sepsis is one of those challenges. And one that is close to my heart, as I have spent a decent part of my career with researchers working on sepsis and with the Australian Sepsis Network. And just like with COVID-19, innovation has a part to play in how we identify and treat sepsis.
The good news is that we are starting to see innovation driving progress in sepsis detection and treatment – new drugs in development, new treatments in clinical trials, and mammoth efforts in public awareness. Plus a new AI device, currently being trialed at Sydney’s Westmead hospital, that scans patients’ electronic records for combinations of symptoms that could indicate sepsis.
So, to rally innovators to this cause, the first step is a better understanding of the challenge.
Introducing Dr Naomi Hammond, Operations Lead and Senior Research Fellow in the Critical Care Division at The George Institute, and Intensive Care Clinical Research Manager at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney.
I sat down with her (socially distanced, of course) and asked her some questions about the challenge of sepsis.
Yesterday was World Sepsis Day, can you start by telling us exactly what sepsis is?
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the body’s response to an infection. Some people know it as septicaemia or blood poisoning – terms that are now outdated. Sepsis can lead to shock, multi-organ failure and death if not recognised early and treated immediately with appropriate antibiotics. Sepsis is the most common pathway to death from infectious diseases worldwide.
Why is it important to be raising awareness of sepsis?
In Australia sepsis kills almost 8,700 deaths every year, yet only 23% of Australians are aware of sepsis symptoms. By raising awareness of the condition and its symptoms we can save lives – the more likely and sooner people will seek medical care the better chance they have of survival.
What effect has the spread of COVID had on the prevalence of sepsis?
This is an interesting question. COVID-19 is a viral infection that predominately affects the respiratory system causing pneumonia of varying severity, however all other organs and body systems can also be affected. It’s been reported that approximately 20% of those hospitalised with COVID-19 develop viral sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Even though we’ve been making headway in terms of raising awareness for sepsis, the prevalence of sepsis will likely rise due to COVID-19. On the flip side though, we have seen a significant reduction in community acquired influenza, which is a common cause of pneumonia and sepsis. This is because as a community we have been practicing social distancing, wearing masks, good hand hygiene and staying home when sick. These public health measures have always been the most effective for reducing the spread of any infectious diseases but, until now, we haven’t been so good at doing them.
Can you tell us a little bit about the work that The George Institute is doing to combat sepsis?
We have a large program of sepsis research that spans from epidemiological studies to randomised controlled trials. We also have an advocacy arm to our work through the Australian Sepsis Network with the primary aim being to raise awareness of sepsis in the community, to be a peak body in Australia for sepsis and to work with those who have been affected by sepsis to promote and improve long term outcomes after sepsis. The George Institute and the Australian Sepsis Network are also collaborating with the Commonwealth government and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care on the roll out of a national awareness campaign.
What are the biggest challenges you are facing in the fight against sepsis?
Approximately 80% of sepsis cases arise outside of a hospital setting, yet community recognition of sepsis and its symptoms are low. I think this is one of our biggest challenges. We need to increase awareness in the general public to recognise that sepsis is a medical emergency, like cardiac arrest or stroke. We need the public to seek immediate medical care as soon as possible because every hour of delay can increase your risk of dying.
What are the key things innovators, businesses and the public can do to tackle sepsis especially during COVID?
The key things are to work together to support and lead global efforts to combat COVID-19. This can be achieved through partnering or promoting collaboration through research or developing point-of-care technologies for use by the public and health care professionals. As individuals, we need to do our best to stop the spread of COVID-19 and indeed all infectious diseases. We can do this by practicing and promoting good hygiene, keeping up to date with vaccinations, and promoting sepsis awareness through our networks.
So what should you do next?
- Find out more about sepsis. There are some great resources here and here.
- Stay connected with researchers to keep up to date on the latest research. Follow Dr Naomi Hammond here, and the Australian Sepsis Network here.
- This World Sepsis Day, share Sepsis awareness information with your networks. There is a useful one-page fact sheet here.
- Wash your hands!
If you’re interested in partnering with researchers from The George Institute or the Australian Sepsis Network on new point-of-care technology, drug development, MedTech or public awareness campaigns, please reach out to me here.