Lisa Radesi
Shock is the most reversible cause of death in children. Unrecognized and undertreated septic shock increases morbidity and mortality in the pediatric patient. Children benefit from goal-directed therapy. Early recognition of septic shock and early, goaldirected treatment are associated with improved outcomes. Despite tremendous advances, the morbidity and mortality attributed to sepsis remain unacceptably high as severe sepsis/septic shock is now classified as one of the leading causes of death in children with an estimated 4,400 deaths occurring annually in the United States alone. Furthermore, pediatric sepsis accounts for an estimated annual health care cost of two billion dollars in the United States alone. Pediatric patients who arrive in nonpediatric emergency departments in septic shock and are left unrecognized are a risk for deterioration. This paper discussed and identified the barriers to implementation of interventions for pediatric septic shock patients found in non-pediatric emergency departments in the Central Valley of California.
