SCCM Resource Library-Surviving Sepsis Campaign Releases First Guidelines for Sepsis in Children

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The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) has released its first guidelines specifically for pediatric sepsis, which is crucial as over 1.2 million children globally develop sepsis annually, with nearly 7,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Notably, sepsis in children can often be overlooked due to atypical symptoms compared to adults. Key guidelines include early recognition and treatment protocols, recommending blood cultures before starting antimicrobial therapy to avoid treatment delays. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be promptly administered within an hour of septic shock evidence and tailored once the pathogen is identified to prevent inappropriate antibiotic use. Daily reassessment is essential, with therapy adjusted as the child recovers.<br /><br />For fluid resuscitation, the guidelines suggest an initial bolus of 40-60 mL/kg for children in intensive care, adjusting as necessary to avoid fluid overload. In settings without these resources, careful fluid management is advised, with epinephrine recommended for persistent shock symptoms. Due to unreliable signs like warm shock in children, assessing heart function specifically is emphasized.<br /><br />The guidelines were developed by 49 experts across various disciplines and organizations, highlighting the necessity for tailored interventions in sepsis management in children compared to adults. Hospitals and healthcare providers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines, which also involve algorithms for systematic screening for sepsis in children. In addition to these clinical recommendations, the SSC acknowledges the global health challenge of antibiotic misuse, stressing responsible stewardship.<br /><br />These developments mark significant progress in pediatric sepsis management, aiming to improve outcomes and save lives through enhanced recognition and treatment protocols tailored to children's unique physiological needs. Resources and educational support for implementing these guidelines are available through SCCM's platform.

Asset Subtitle

Pediatrics, Sepsis, 2020, 00:04:11

Asset Caption

This article was originally published in the Spring 2020 Issue of Critical Connections.

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SCC) in February released its first guidelines for pediatric patients with sepsis, marking a new milestone in the initiative’s mission to improve sepsis care and save lives.

More than 1.2 million children develop sepsis globally every year, including more than 75,000 in the United States. Nearly 7,000 American children die of sepsis annually, making it more deadly than pediatric cancer.

Critical Connections, the critical care industry's only newsmagazine, provides information on cutting-edge topics in critical care useful to the entire multiprofessional team.

Meta Tag

Content Type Article

Knowledge Area Pediatrics

Knowledge Area Sepsis

Knowledge Level Foundational

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Membership Level Select

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Associate

Tag Guidelines

Tag Evidence Based Medicine

Year 2020

Keywords

pediatric sepsis

Surviving Sepsis Campaign

sepsis guidelines

early recognition

antimicrobial therapy

broad-spectrum antibiotics

fluid resuscitation

epinephrine

antibiotic stewardship

pediatric healthcare

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