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.