What Are The Differences Between Meningitis and Sepsis? (and what can happen if they are confused!)
Firstly, what is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis, septicaemia or both. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and the spinal cord whilst septicaemia is poisoning of the blood caused by the same germs. Both meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours and correct diagnosis followed by immediate treatment is essential.
Diagnosis however can be difficult with the symptoms for both diseases being very similar. The treatment for both diseases is different and incorrectly diagnosing a patient and administering the incorrect treatment may result in the patient’s death.
With regards to Sepsis the number of patients diagnosed as suffering from sepsis in the UK is increasing with more than 30,000 cases reported each year. Furthermore, babies and young children under the age of 5 are more vulnerable to developing the disease. With meningitis approximately 50% of patients diagnosed with meningitis are babies and young children under the age of 5.
Symptoms of both diseases
Most patients suffering from a meningococcal disease have the symptoms of both septicaemia and meningitis, however the treatment for both diseases are completely different.
The common symptoms of both diseases consist of:
- Fever
- Shaking
- Rapid pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Rash – however the rash developed by meningitis does not disappear when pressure is applied, the rash generally developed as a result of septicaemia does disappear
Diagnosis
Sepsis
A blood test to ascertain whether the patient has elevated white blood cells and to enable blood growth cultures to be undertaken to ascertain whether there is any bacteria in the blood. The later part of the blood test however may take 24 hours, and as urgent treatment is essential to ensure the best possible recovery rate in patients, a patient may not have 24 hours to wait.
A lumbar puncture is likely to be performed. This involves the insertion of a needle inbetween the bones of the lower part of the spine. Spinal fluid is then extracted which is sent for testing.
Radiological investigation is usually completed. This will normally take the form of a chest x-ray to look for pneumonia and a CT scan to identify whether the abdomen is infected. Patients who undergo a CT scan will usually have a dye inserted into the vein to identify whether the patient is suffering from organ failure.
Meningitis
As with septicaemia the following tests will usually be undertaken:
A lumbar puncture is likely to be performed and sent for testing.
Blood and urine samples will also be sent for analysis to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis and to identify which type of meningitis the patient is suffering from: Bacterial, viral or fungal.
So what about treatment?
For Sepsis
Administer IV antibiotics
Restore circulation by administering IV rapid fluids
Support the cardio-respiratory system by way of intubation
Replace the kidney function
For Meningitis
The opposite to septicaemia:
Do not fluid overload
Neuro-protection
No LP if RICP
Steroids to reduce the swelling around the brain
Conclusion
Ultimately the mis-diagnoses of sepsis can have very serious consequences and a patient should have a reasonable expectation that an appropriate health care professional should be able to diagnose correctly and apply the correct treatment.
Applebys Solicitors specialise in all aspects of medical or clinical negligence compensation. Call now for free initial advice, if you feel you may have been affected, on 0800 1691325.