Sentara continues to reduce sepsis mortality rates

From 2021 to 2025, the mortality rate for sepsis in Sentara’s patient population decreased 44.27%.

Sepsis is the body’s extreme and potentially life-threatening immune system overreaction to an infection, and it is one of the leading causes of death. According to the Sepsis Alliance, an estimated 350,000 adults in this country die of sepsis annually – one every 90 seconds.

One common infection that can lead to sepsis is a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI.

Christina Hornyak, a Sentara patient safety coordinator, was diagnosed with a UTI late last year and treated with oral antibiotics.

After a few rounds, Christina’s heart started racing, she became easily exhausted, and her blood pressure was lower than normal. Although her symptoms continued to worsen, she didn’t consider the possibility of sepsis. While sitting at her doctor’s office waiting to be seen, Christina began to lose consciousness. She was immediately taken by ambulance to the Emergency Department at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Right away, the team recognized the symptoms of sepsis and began treatment. After being hospitalized for a week, she responded to intravenous antibiotics and was able to return home to her family for Christmas. Early detection and care are key for survival, and Christina got both just in time.

By developing and refining sepsis care guidelines through evidence-based recommendations and physician collaboration, Sentara continues to help greater numbers of patients recover from this medical emergency.

“We continue to improve the Sepsis Order Set and accompanying documentation, with the goal of continuing to improve mortality rates from sepsis,” said Eleanor Erwin, M.D., one of the hospital's designated physician sepsis champions.

“We’re also evolving our approach to sepsis antibiotics to match the needs of our communities. Sepsis is as dynamic as other severe emergencies, such as stroke, and our approach has led to significantly improved mortality rates.”

Seeking prompt treatment for sepsis is critical. The acronym “T.I.M.E.” is a useful tool for remembering symptoms.

T stands for temperature changes. Is your temperature above 101 degrees or less than 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit? I stands for signs and symptoms of an infection. M stands for signs of mental decline, such as confusion, sleepiness, difficulty staying awake, dizziness, and weakness. E stands for extremely ill symptoms like severe pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure.

For additional information about sepsis causes, treatment, and prevention, as well as where to find care, visit sentara.com/sepsis.