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Pediatric Sepsis: Early Recognition and Management
Pediatric sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection, and early recognition is critical for successful management. The first signs often include fever, tachycardia, respiratory distress, altered mental status, or decreased urine output, though these may be subtle in young children. Immediate assessment using pediatric early warning systems (PEWS) can help identify sepsis at its earliest stage. Once sepsis is suspected, rapid intervention is crucial. Initial management focuses on stabilizing the airway, breathing, and circulation, followed by early administration of intravenous fluids to combat shock. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be administered within the first hour of diagnosis to target the underlying infection. Ongoing monitoring of vital signs, blood lactate levels, and urine output helps assess the effectiveness of interventions. Delayed recognition or treatment increases the risk of multi-organ failure and death, highlighting the importance of swift, aggressive management to improve outcomes in pediatric sepsis.
About the Speaker

Dr. Abhijit Bagde
Consultant Pediatrician & Lead, Pediatric Intensivist, Apollo Hopsitals, Navi Mumbai
Dr. Abhijit Bagde is a consultant pediatrician with over 17 years of experience in general pediatric care, newborn care, vaccinations, nutrition, growth, and pediatric intensive care. He graduated from Lokmanya Tilak Medical College in Mumbai and completed his post-graduation in pediatrics at the prestigious Jaslok Hospital. With a special interest in pediatric critical care, he pursued a fellowship at Narayana Hrudayalaya, where he later joined as a consultant pediatrician and pediatric intensivist. Currently, Dr. Bagde is practicing at Apollo Hospitals, specializing in managing critically ill children requiring organ support systems such as ventilation and inotropes, and is trained in post-surgical care for liver transplants and cardiac surgery patients. He is also a member of MENSA.
Upcoming Case Discussions
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