Kansas City, KS- Sepsis affects nearly 2 million Americans annually, with a mortality rate that can increase by 8% per hour without treatment. Eric Burke shared his experience, highlighting initial symptoms like confusion and lethargy. Dr. Steve Simpson explained sepsis as life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated immune response.
Dr. Nima Sirani and Dr. Sam Windham discussed early signs and the critical role of timely antibiotics. The discussion also covered advancements in sepsis detection, including AI and blood tests, and the importance of patient and family advocacy.
Eric Burke and Jeanene Kiesling, patient and wife
· Eric Burke shares his experience with sepsis, describing initial symptoms like passing out at work and feeling like he had the worst flu.
· Jeanene, Eric's wife, recounts the initial misdiagnosis of pneumonia and the subsequent realization of sepsis.
Dr. Chase Hall, Pulmonologist, The University of Kansas Health System
· Dr. Hall explains the early indicators of lung and brain infection, emphasizing the role of family members in recognizing changes.
Dr. Sam Windham, Infections Disease, The University of Kansas Health System
· Dr. Windham explains the spectrum of sepsis severity, from infection to septic shock, and the critical importance of timely treatment.
Dr. Nima Sarani, Emergency Medicine Specialist, The University of Kansas Health System
· Dr. Sarani emphasizes the importance of clinical judgment and AI in the emergency department for early sepsis detection.
Ron Chenoweth, Senior Quality and Safety Outcome Specialist, The University of Kansas Health System
· Ron Chenoweth talks about the use of AI in identifying sepsis earlier.
Dr. Steven Simpson, Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist, The University of Kansas Health System
· Dr. Simpson highlights the TPR campaign to educate the public on monitoring temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate to recognize sepsis early.
