Maternal Sepsis Week - May 14-20, 2023
Maternal Sepsis Week is an annual event that aims to educate the public about maternal sepsis and raise awareness of its toll on mothers and other people involved in the birthing process. This year, the event will be observed from May 14th to 20th.
By definition, Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. And according to the World Health Organization, maternal sepsis refers to sepsis that results from infection during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or postpartum period. It is caused by an infection that can spread throughout the body, leading to organ failure, septic shock, and even death. Maternal sepsis is a major contributor to maternal mortality, which is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of childbirth.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sepsis is responsible for an estimated 11% of maternal deaths worldwide. Maternal sepsis is preventable, and early recognition and treatment can save lives. However, awareness about maternal sepsis is still low, and many cases go undetected or untreated.
Despite the fact that sepsis can kill anyone at any age and can affect those who are healthy as well as those who are unwell, there are certain demographics that are more likely to be affected. People with a weakened immune system, very young children, older adults, members of racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals and families with lower incomes are some of the groups that are particularly at risk.
It is possible to lower one's chance of developing sepsis by taking preventative measures against infection or by promptly diagnosing and treating illnesses. This includes practicing good hygiene, staying current with vaccinations, and seeking treatment when infections are suspected.
There are a lot of people who recover completely from sepsis, but there are also a lot of people who suffer long-term repercussions, such as amputations or organ malfunction, such as kidney failure. Memory loss, anxiety, and sadness are some of the less evident aftereffects of sepsis, which can also occur.
It's about TIME
When it comes to Sepsis, remember “It’s About Time”:
T – Temperature - higher or lower than normal
I - Infection – may have signs or symptoms of infection
M – Mental Decline - confused, sleepy, difficult to rouse
E – Extremely ill – “I feel like I might die,” severe pain or discomfort
If you suspect sepsis (observe a combination of these symptoms), see your medical professional immediately, CALL 911, or go to a hospital with an advocate and say, “I am concerned about sepsis.”
Maternal Sepsis: By the Numbers
- Maternal sepsis causes at least 261,000 maternal deaths every year worldwide.
- A recent analysis of delivery hospitalizations and postpartum readmissions in the U.S. found that 23% of in-hospital deaths were related to sepsis.
- Black women are 3.3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women in the U.S. Native American and Native Alaskan women are 2.5 times more likely to die than white women.
- The number of cases of maternal sepsis is increasing. One study of the National Inpatient Sample, a national database, reported a 10% annual increase in cases of maternal severe sepsis and sepsis-related deaths in the U.S. between 1998 and 2008.
- More than 50% of women who die from sepsis have one or more chronic co-occurring conditions, including chronic renal (kidney) disease, chronic liver disease, and congestive heart failure
- The U.S. has the third highest rate of maternal mortality of all high-income countries, with an estimated 2.6 maternal deaths per 10,000 live births.
Observing Maternal Sepsis Week
Maternal Sepsis Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about this critical issue and promote action to prevent maternal deaths. The event aims to educate healthcare workers, policymakers, and the public about the signs and symptoms of maternal sepsis, the importance of early detection and treatment, and the need for improved access to quality maternal healthcare services.
During Maternal Sepsis Week, organizations and individuals around the world participate in a variety of activities, such as awareness campaigns, webinars, and fundraising events. These activities help to raise awareness about maternal sepsis and encourage action to prevent maternal deaths.
As individuals, there are several things we can do to help raise awareness about maternal sepsis. We can educate ourselves about the signs and symptoms of maternal sepsis, share this information with our friends and family members, and advocate for improved access to quality maternal healthcare services.
As healthcare workers, we have a critical role to play in the prevention and early detection of maternal sepsis. We can educate ourselves about the latest guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of maternal sepsis, and we can advocate for increased resources and training to improve maternal healthcare services.
Sotera's Commitment
Maternal Sepsis Week is an important event that highlights the devastating impact of maternal sepsis on mothers and birthing people worldwide. As a company that offers wireless vital sign monitoring products to healthcare facilities, we understand the critical role that early detection and treatment play in preventing maternal deaths from sepsis.
Our wireless vital sign monitoring products have been designed specifically to assist healthcare workers in detecting early signs of patient deterioration, including those associated with maternal sepsis. With our technology, you can remotely monitor your patient's vital signs, enabling you to provide more personalized care and detect any abnormalities early on.
We understand that maternal sepsis is a critical issue that affects mothers and birthing people around the world. Sotera Digital Health’s ViSi Mobile is designed to help healthcare workers in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of maternal sepsis, ultimately saving lives.
As we observe Maternal Sepsis Week, we want to take this opportunity to raise awareness about this critical issue and encourage action to prevent maternal deaths. By promoting awareness, education, and early detection, we can work together to prevent maternal deaths and ensure that every mother has access to quality maternal healthcare services. Let's take action to save mothers and birthing people around the world.
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