Kolkata/IBNS: In recognition of World Sepsis Day on Sept 13, Kolkata's CMRI (Calcutta Medical Research Institute) Hospital spearheaded a major initiative to increase awareness around sepsis, a life-threatening condition often overshadowed in the broader healthcare conversation.

An expert panel discussion on "Handling Sepsis in Critical Care Units" was designed to bridge gaps in both professional and public understanding of sepsis, bringing together a prestigious panel of healthcare professionals, each with vast expertise in critical care and sepsis management.

Moderated by Dr. Raja Dhar, Director & HOD, Department of Pulmonology at CMRI, the discussion delved deep into critical sepsis topics, from early diagnosis and treatment protocols to overcoming common challenges in critical care settings. An esteemed audience of healthcare professionals attended, further validating CMRI's role in advancing healthcare education.

“Sepsis continues to be one of the most critical, yet misunderstood, medical emergencies. By sharing our collective expertise, we aim to ensure better patient outcomes through timely intervention and treatment,” said Dr. Anirban Chattopadhyay, Head of Critical Care at CMRI. His sentiments echoed throughout the event, with a focus on knowledge sharing to save lives.

The Hidden Dangers of Sepsis: What You Need to Know

Sepsis occurs when the body's response to infection spirals out of control, triggering widespread inflammation and often leading to organ failure or death if untreated. It’s a complex condition to diagnose because its symptoms — such as confusion, shallow breathing, or light headedness — can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.

Time is of the essence in treating sepsis; rapid recognition and immediate intervention are crucial in preventing severe complications. Swift recognition and immediate intervention are critical in preventing severe complications, making awareness essential not only for medical professionals but also for the general public.

The panel featured Dr. Anirban Chattopadhyay, Head of Critical Care Unit, CMRI; Dr. Amrita Bhattacharya, Incharge Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, CMRI; Dr. Debkamal Mukherjee, Intensivist, Critical Care, CMRI; Dr. Fahd Hossain, Intensivist, Critical Care, CMRI

A Glimpse into the Panel’s Key Takeaways

Throughout the panel discussion, several important takeaways emerged:

• Early diagnosis saves lives: Rapid identification and treatment of sepsis significantly increase survival rates.
• Standardized protocols are crucial: A call was made for uniform treatment guidelines to avoid delays in sepsis management.
• Collaboration is key: CMRI encourages more hospitals and healthcare providers to collaborate, share data, and continuously improve strategies for managing sepsis.

Nursing staff were spotlighted as the unsung heroes in early sepsis detection, with their ability to notice subtle changes in patients' conditions. The panel also stressed the importance of educating nurses and providing them with the tools and resources to act swiftly in life-threatening situations.

Dr. Amrita Bhattacharya, Incharge of CMRI's Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, emphasized the importance of public awareness: "Many people don't realize how dangerous sepsis can be if left untreated. By spreading awareness and facilitating discussions like this one, we aim to bridge that knowledge gap and encourage proactive treatment."

Addressing the Challenges: Public Awareness and Antibiotic Resistance

India faces significant challenges in managing sepsis, including delayed diagnosis and a growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Experts discussed the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use to prevent resistant infections that complicate sepsis treatment. Public awareness campaigns were also recommended to inform communities about the warning signs of sepsis and the importance of seeking medical help promptly.

The doctors said CMRI has  state-of-the-art facilities, including its Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICO),  in providing world-class care. Combining medical expertise with cutting-edge technology, CMRI has built an ecosystem where sepsis patients receive top-tier treatment at every stage of their care journey, they said.