Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog

According to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association this week, sepsis can cause some elderly persons to develop long-term physical and cognitive issues. The findings are from an analysis of data from 1,194 elderly hospital patients suffering from sepsis and 4,517 elderly hospital patients who did not have the infection. Data from up to eight years after hospitalization was included.

Common Causes of Sepsis:
• Forced bed rest
• Insufficient regular activity
• Failure to reposition patient in bed
• Use of physical restraints
• Unsanitary conditions
• Slip and fall wounds
• Lack of mobility
• Wounds from Chicago nursing home abuse or neglect

Researchers determined that patients with sepsis had a threefold greater chance of developing cognitive issues. They were also more likely to develop at least one new physical limitation after they were hospitalized.

Sepsis is an infection that can take over the body. Antibiotics and life support must be provided as soon as possible or the patient can develop organ failure or even die. While it isn’t uncommon for elderly persons to suffer long-term effects from a hospital stay, developing sepsis can make a patient’s condition grow worse.

Also, the study’s authors say that sepsis in seniors, age 65 and older, and can cause about 20,000 new dementia cases each year.

Unfortunately, with their weakened immune systems, many elderly and sick nursing home patients are susceptible to developing sepsis unless they receive the proper nursing and medical care. Failure to provide that care can be grounds for a Chicago nursing home negligence lawsuit.

Sepsis in elderly individuals can have lasting impact, Chicago Tribune, October 26, 2010

Severe Sepsis Associated With Development of Cognitive, Functional Disability in Older Patients, DocGuide.com, October 26, 2010

Related Web Resources:
The Journal of the American Medical Association

Sepsis, National Institute of Health

Nursing Homes in Illinois