BLOOD SCIENCES
Sepsis: plasma viscosity as a diagnostic marker
David Norcliffe, David Manuel and Bernie Benson examine the role of plasma viscosity as a diagnostic marker in sepsis and also plasma–serum viscosity ratio as a predictor of disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an abnormal and excessive immune response to infection, which can overwhelm the body and requires immediate medical atention. The infection may be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. Sepsis frequently presents with
symptoms that resemble those of common illnesses, making it susceptible to being undiagnosed. It can develop extremely quickly from initial infection and progression to full septic shock and is regarded as the most common causes of death from infectious diseases or viral infections. Early recognition of sepsis is essential,
as delays in diagnosis and failure to initiate prompt treatment are associated with significantly worse outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality.1–3
Definition, stages and complications of sepsis In 2016, a new definition of sepsis (Sepsis-3) was developed.4
Sepsis is defined
as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, replacing the earlier three- stage model, sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. The term ‘severe sepsis’ has been removed. Septic shock is recognised as a subset of sepsis with profound circulatory and metabolic abnormalities. Sepsis is now viewed as a continuum of severity requiring prompt recognition and management. Septic shock is associated with high morbidity and mortality.5–8
Current
guidelines recommend that treatment and resuscitation should be initiated immediately.9 A high proportion of patients with
sepsis develop disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or ‘consumption coagulopathy’ characterised by widespread activation of coagulation pathways leading to depletion of fibrinogen and platelets.10
This results in
a paradoxical state of both microvascular thrombosis and an increased tendency for severe bleeding from multiple sites.
Signs and symptoms of sepsis Sepsis can develop rapidly and can present in diverse ways. The most common symptoms include: fever or hypothermia chills, rigors malaise, fatigue tachycardia (heart rate >90 bpm) tachypnoea (respiratory rate >22/min).
The signs of sepsis.
Systemic and organ-specific features are: Neurological: confusion, altered mental status
June 2026
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