photo.jpg

## Mometrix ### Septic Shock Septic shock is caused by toxins produced by bacteria and cytokines that the body produces in response to severe infection, resulting in a complex syndrome of disorders. Symptoms are wide-ranging: * **Initial:** Hyper- or hypothermia, increased temperature (138°C) wit...

## Mometrix ### Septic Shock Septic shock is caused by toxins produced by bacteria and cytokines that the body produces in response to severe infection, resulting in a complex syndrome of disorders. Symptoms are wide-ranging: * **Initial:** Hyper- or hypothermia, increased temperature (138°C) with chills, tachycardia with increased pulse pressure, tachypnea, alterations in mental status (dullness), hypotension, hyperventilation with respiratory alkalosis (PaCO2 ≤30 mm Hg), increased lactic acid, and unstable BP, and dehydration with increased urinary output. * **Cardiovascular:** Myocardial depression and dysrhythmias. * **Respiratory:** Tachypnea, respiratory failure and hypoxia. * **Renal:** Acute renal failure (ARF) with decreased urinary output and increased BUN. * **Hepatic:** Jaundice and liver dysfunction with increased transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. * **Hematologic:** Mild or severe blood loss (from mucosal ulcerations), neutropenia or neutrophilia, decreased platelets, and DIC. * **Endocrine:** Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia (rare). * **Skin:** Cellulitis, erysipelas, and fascitis, acrocyanotic and necrotic peripheral lesions. ### Bacterial Meningitis Bacterial meningitis may manifest differently, depending upon the age of the infant: * **Early Onset:** The infant may exhibit signs of shock within 24 hours of birth with rapid progression of symptoms that include respiratory distress with episodes of apnea, hypotension, thermodysregulation, inconsolable crying, seizures, diarrhea, jaundice, and hepatomegaly. * **Late Onset:** Symptoms may be very nonspecific and can include weight loss, hypo- or hyperthermia, jaundice, irritability, lethargy, irregular respirations with periods of apnea. More specific signs may include increasing signs of illness, difficulty feeding with loss of suck reflex, hypotonia, posturing, weak cry, seizures, and bulging fontanels (may be a late sign). Nuchal rigidity does not usually occur with neonates but may be a late sign. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy as indicated according to cultures and sensitivities. Initial therapy usually includes ampicillin or penicillin G and an aminoglycoside. Treatment is monitored by examination of CSF with treatment usually for two weeks after CSF becomes sterile. Kernig's sign and Brudzinski's sign are generally absent in neonates. ### Ophthalmia Neonatorum Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye from bacteria, viruses, or chemical irritants. If infectious conjunctivitis occurs