Better ICUs needed for sepsis treatment: Doctor

Jharna Narang, who suffered a fracture and multiple bullet injuries in the 26/11 attacks, and Dr Chanda Advani, who self-medicated for malaria, share something in common: Both spent months recovering from sepsis, a potentially deadly disease, and agree on how its timely detection can save people from succumbing to it.

In spite of multiple organ failures, Narang and Advani were both saved as they were lucky to have the right intensivists handling their cases. In this context, the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) is starting a study on Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in the country to ensure that sepsis patients receive the right treatment on time.

On World Sepsis Day on September 13, the ISCCM  will join hands with the Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA) to spread awareness about this disease.

A nationwide study on 124 Indian ICUs revealed that 25% of the 4,038 patients studied suffered from severe sepsis with a 40% mortality rate. Also, 70% of them were  medical cases and 30%, surgical cases.

Dr JV Divatia, an intensivist at Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel emphasised that trained intensivists can paint a different picture of ICUs altogether. “There is a need for better ICUs and trained intensivists,” he said.

The association has been holding awareness programmes for physicians as well. “Even a fracture can cause sepsis. Simple, timely intervention, including antibiotics, intravenous fluids and targeted treatment to restore circulation can half the risk of dying,” said Dr Farhad Kapadia, intensivist at PD Hinduja Hospital.

He added that early treatment can be cost-effective for patients as it reduces the days they spend in the hospital. “The patient needs to reach us before he suffers any organ failure. Each organ failure adds to their cost of treatment and pushes up their mortality rate,” said Dr Atul Kulkarni, consultant anaesthetist and intensivists at Tata Memorial Hospital.

Speaking about why sepsis is a growing concern among intensivists, Dr Pravin Amin, consultant physician and intensivist at Bombay Hospital said, “Sepsis has a huge socio-economic impact as most Indians are not insured. Late detection increases medical expenses. Antibiotics are also expensive.”

Agreeing with Dr Amin, Dr Divatia pointed out on how self-medication is also a major concern. “Regularity bodies in India should stop over-the-counter sale of antibiotics,” he said.