The findings come from the Institut Pasteur Human Histopathology and Animal Models Unit, where researchers looked at the effects of sepsis on muscle stem cells. The researchers found that after sepsis, available mitochondria – a cells powerhouse – only provide satellite cells with enough energy for basic function, but nothing more to divide and differentiate into different muscle cells that are required for muscle growth and repair.
The findings prompted researchers to explore the possibility of using mesenchymal stem cell transplantation as a potential avenue for therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells are easily cultured in laboratories and, due to their properties, are great for cell therapy transplants to repair degenerative or traumatic lesions. Mesenchymal cells are able to fully restore metabolic and division capabilities of satellite cells.
Previous study links post-sepsis survival to mental and physical decline in older patients
The researchers reviewed data from 1,194 patients who were hospitalized for severe sepsis. Additionally, they found 9,223 patients who were assessed for cognitive and physical function.
Of the group, 516 survived sepsis and 4,517 were hospitalized, not for sepsis, but who partook in a follow-up survey. The researchers found that 60 percent of the hospitalizations due to severe sepsis were also linked with worsened cognitive functioning and physical functioning. The researchers concluded the rate of risk was 3.3 times higher to experience cognitive and physical impairment in those who survive severe sepsis.
Long-term effects of sepsis
With the help of medical advancement, more people are not only surviving sepsis, but are living normal lives post-sepsis as well. However, there are still many cases of life-long complications that can occur after sepsis.
Long-term effects of sepsis are more common in individuals who had a chronic illness prior to diagnosis, and these individuals may have a higher likelihood of experiencing organ failure. For example, if a person who already has kidney failure develops sepsis, they may require dialysis for the rest of their lives.
Sepsis can also permanently impede on a person’s immune system, which sets them up to easily develop other illnesses. Lastly, having sepsis increases risk of mortality, even many years after the infection has been resolved.
Some individuals may experience post-sepsis syndrome, which includes the following symptoms:
- Nightmares, vivid hallucinations
- Disabling muscle and joint pain
- Decreased muscle
- Decreased mental cognitive ability
- Loss of self-esteem
- Organ dysfunction
- Amputation
Treatment of sepsis
Sepsis treatment involves treating the underlying infection and treating any affected organs in order to reduce the risk of organ failure. If caught early enough, your doctor will put you on antibiotics and you can easily treat sepsis at home.
If sepsis becomes severe or you endure septic-shock (a condition that brings upon extremely low blood pressure), emergency medical attention is required and you may need to stay in a hospital to receive treatment.
The list of treatment options to treat sepsis includes:
- Intravenous fluids
- Oxygen
- Raising blood pressure
- Treating source of infection
- Corticosteroid
- Insulin
- Blood transfusion
- Mechanical ventilation
- Dialysis
Preventative tips to manage post-sepsis recovery
Recovery from sepsis begins in the hospital, where you can slowly work your way back to moving around and taking care of personal duties, such as bathing, showering, or walking around. Rehabilitation is necessary to bring you back as close to your normal health prior to sepsis.
When you are finally released from the hospital, the following at-home care suggestions can help further push you towards recovery.
- Set small goals for yourself when it comes to daily tasks, and don’t be discouraged that you may not be able to fully do everything you did before.
- Rest and rebuild strength.
- Discuss feelings with family and friends – this can ward off depression.
- Learn about sepsis and understand what happened and what you have just been through.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- If you’re up to it, try exercising.
- Make a list of questions to ask your doctor when it comes down to your follow-up.
With the help from your doctor, nurses, family and friends, you can easily adjust after sepsis and work your way back to living a normal life with minimal complications.
Related Reading:
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A compound in aspirin has been found to bind to an enzyme – GAPDH – that is believed to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The component is salicylic acid, which stops GAPDH from moving and entering the nucleus where it can lead to cell death. There is promise that derivatives of salicylic acid may be used to treat such disorders as multiple sclerosis. Continue reading…
Sources:
https://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/pages/factsheet_sepsis
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blood-poisoning/Pages/Treatment
http://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/pdfs/life-after-sepsis-fact-sheet