How Can Sepsis Cause Amputation?

Sepsis is a dangerous condition that can occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, causing damage to its own tissues and organs. It can be caused by any type of infection, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the UK, and it can also lead to serious complications, such as amputation – it is also a leading cause of death in hospitals. The UK Sepsis Trust reports that around 245,000 people develop sepsis in the UK each year, and around 48,000 people die from it. Around 40% of survivors are left with life-changing physical and/or psychological aftereffects.

In the US, the Sepsis Alliance reports around 38 amputations per day on average due to sepsis, with around 1% of survivors having a limb or digit removed as a result of the condition.

How does sepsis lead to amputation?

Sepsis can lead to amputation in a number of ways. One is by causing blood clots to form in the blood vessels. These blood clots can block the blood supply to the limbs, leading to tissue death and gangrene.

Sepsis can also lead to amputation by causing damage to the nerves that control the limbs. This can lead to paralysis and loss of sensation in the limbs, making them more vulnerable to injury.

Finally, sepsis can also lead to amputation by causing the body to produce excessive amounts of inflammatory proteins. These proteins can damage the tissues in the limbs, leading to tissue death and gangrene.

Who is at risk of amputation from sepsis?

Anyone can develop sepsis, but certain people are at higher risk, including:

• Older adults.
• People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
• People with weakened immune systems, such as people with cancer or HIV / AIDS.
• People who have recently had surgery or a medical procedure.

How to prevent amputation from sepsis

The best way to prevent amputation from sepsis is to treat the underlying infection as quickly as possible. This may involve antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and other supportive measures.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue or to improve blood flow to the limbs.

If you have sepsis, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce your risk of developing serious complications, such as amputation, by as much as 50%.

Have you suffered a sepsis-relating amputation as a result of medical negligence?

If you or a family member has suffered because of poor medical care or a delayed diagnosis of sepsis, you may be able to make an amputation compensation claim on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Contact Blackwater Law for free initial legal advice about your claim, and find out if you could be entitled to compensation.