What are the symptoms of late-stage sepsis?

In general, in the late stages of sepsis, multiple organ functions are severely impaired and the condition is critical. Main symptoms include septic shock, respiratory distress, altered mental status, skin ecchymosis and bleeding, and multi-organ dysfunction. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Septic shock: Blood pressure drops sharply and is difficult to correct. Patients develop cold, clammy extremities, pale or cyanotic skin, rapid and weak pulse, significantly reduced urine output or anuria. Severe impairment of peripheral circulation places patients at imminent risk of death.

2. Respiratory distress: The lungs are invaded by inflammation or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) develops, causing rapid, labored breathing with markedly increased respiratory rate. Symptoms such as chest tightness and wheezing persist and cannot be relieved even with oxygen supplementation.

3. Altered mental status: Toxins invade the central nervous system, leading to restlessness, drowsiness, progressing to confusion and delirium. In severe cases, patients fall into a coma, showing delayed or no response to stimuli such as verbal calls or pain.

4. Skin ecchymosis and bleeding: Severe coagulation disorders cause scattered petechiae and ecchymoses on the skin and mucous membranes, with colors gradually darkening from dark red. Some patients also experience gum bleeding, epistaxis, or even hematemesis and melena indicating internal organ hemorrhage.

5. Multi-organ dysfunction: Liver damage manifests as jaundice and elevated liver enzymes; gastrointestinal dysfunction leads to severe vomiting and diarrhea; cardiac involvement causes arrhythmias and heart failure. The combination of these symptoms makes the clinical condition more complex.

Patients with late-stage sepsis require immediate admission to intensive care. Life-saving interventions include aggressive anti-infective therapy and fluid resuscitation. Close monitoring of vital signs and adequate nutritional support are essential throughout treatment to facilitate organ function recovery.