Much attention has been paid towards early goal-directed therapy for sepsis in adult ED patients, but there has not been as much consideration for the pediatric ED patient.
R-C analyses and M&M reviews have consistently identified system difficulties recognizing sepsis in children, especially cases of compensated shock, and subsequent management.
Protocols beginning in triage to recognize abnormal vital signs, followed by timely execution of interventions especially antibiotic and fluid administration are worthwhile to reduce overall morbidity and mortality.
Protocols should include 3 major goals:
Triage vital signs adjusted for age, and corrected heart rate for pyrexia to recognize sepsis.
Obtain vascular access within 5 minutes followed by a 20mL/kg bolus of IV fluids administered within 15 minutes in cases of volume depletion.
Antibiotic administration within 30 minutes.
References
Cruz AT, Perry AM, Williams EA, et al. Implementaion of Goal-Directed Therapy for Children With Suspected Sepsis in the Emergency Department. Pediatrics 2011;127;e758.
