More than
JUST A CUT
Highly elusive in its early stages, sepsis is a leading cause of
death in hospitalized children. To combat it, hospitals must adopt
tools, team-based approaches and change culture.
By Megan McDonnell Busenbark
R
ory Staunton was 12 years old when he went diving for
a basketball in his school gym and scraped his arm-
business as usual for a boy his age. But the next day, Rory
was vomiting and feverish. He had pain in his leg. A visit to the
pediatrician led to a trip to a New York City hospital emergency
room. Doctors there believed Rory had an upset stomach and
dehydration, so they gave him fluids and sent him home.
What doctors failed to see was that a deadly toxin had entered
Rory's blood through the seemingly innocent cut on his arm.
Warning signs of severe illness went unnoticed. Three nights
after he left that emergency room, 12-year-old Rory was dead. The
cause: severe septic shock brought on by infection.
AT A GLANCE
Sepsis has higher
mortality than
pediatric cancer.
It can develop in
hospitalized or otherwise
healthy children.
For early detection,
rely on teamwork
and communication.
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL S TODAY Summer 2016
17
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Children's Hospitals Today - Summer 2016