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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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The treatment of renal disease in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) typically involves a combination of immunosuppressive therapies to control inflammation and prevent further kidney damage. First-line treatment often includes high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide or rituximab, both of which help to induce remission by targeting the underlying immune system dysfunction. In cases of kidney failure or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, plasmapheresis may be used to remove circulating autoantibodies. Once remission is achieved, maintenance therapy with lower doses of immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, is used to prevent relapses and preserve kidney function.
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Management of pulmonary embolism (PE) involves rapid diagnosis through imaging techniques like CT pulmonary angiography and the administration of anticoagulant therapy to prevent further clot formation. In severe cases, thrombolytic therapy or surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the embolus and restore normal blood flow.
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NIV in Acute Respiratory Failure
Dr Viny Kantroo is a Chest, Critical Care & Sleep medicine specialist based in Delhi, boasting over more than 15 years of professional experience. She is currently practising as a full time Senior consultant in Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals New Delhi and Visiting Consultant Apollo Hospitals Noida in the department of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. She is recognised for her expertise in various aspects of Chest medicine, which includes EBUS (Convex probe, Radial), Bronchoscopic procedures, pleural effusion management, interstitial lung disease, Covid-19, lung cancer, pneumonia, and intensive care patient management. Dr Kantroo is renowned not only for her medical proficiency but also for her empathy and positive attitude towards patient care. Patients consulting with Dr Viny can be assured of receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, thanks to her commitment to prompt and comprehensive care.