Throughout the United States, hundreds of thousands of patients develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Here are eight facts and statistics to note:
1. Common infections associated with sepsis include pneumonia, kidney, skin and gut infections.
2. Some other causes of sepsis include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and some types of Streptococcus.
3. Those aged 65 or over and those less than 1 year are at the highest risk of developing sepsis.
4. More than 90 percent of adults and 70 percent of children who contract sepsis have a health condition that put them at an increased risk.
5. There are approximately 200,000 sepsis cases annually in the United States.
6. In 2011, sepsis cost the United States more than $20 billion.
7. Compared to other conditions, readmissions due to sepsis is two to three times likely and nearly two to three times more costly.
8. A recent study found using the standardized approach to diagnosing and treating sepsis did not alter a patient's survival chances.
