Sepsis Diagnosis, Treatment & Cost

PACE Hospitals provides advanced sepsis treatment in Hyderabad, India, offering rapid and personalized care for patients affected by infection, a serious and life-threatening sepsis disease. Our specialized ICU & Critical Care department is fully equipped to manage severe infections, septic shock, and organ dysfunction with continuous monitoring and life-support systems.


Our expert sepsis specialists ensure timely diagnosis using comprehensive clinical evaluation and advanced sepsis diagnostic tests, including blood cultures, laboratory investigations, and imaging. As one of the best hospitals for sepsis treatment, we follow evidence-based protocols to deliver prompt antibiotics, fluid therapy, and critical organ support to improve survival and recovery outcomes.

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Sepsis Diagnosis in Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Sepsis Diagnosis

Sepsis identification is a critical step in preventing life-threatening complications, as early recognition can improve significant patient outcomes. The diagnosis of sepsis involves a clinical and laboratory evaluation to detect infection-induced organ dysfunction and an inflammatory dysregulated response. Physicians or critical care doctors evaluate sepsis based on clinical signs, biomarkers, and organ function assessments to confirm the diagnosis and initiate timely management.

The following are the steps commonly included in the sepsis diagnostic criteria:

  • Medical history
  • Physical examination

Medical history

Patients often have chronic medical conditions like diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or immunosuppression (for example, chemotherapy, HIV, or long-term steroid therapy), which make them more likely to get infections that can lead to sepsis. A history of advanced age, infancy, pregnancy, or being in the postpartum period (after delivery), as well as using medical devices like catheters or ventilators, is also an important risk factor.

Clinicians also document any past cases of sepsis, recent antibiotic use, and signs of infection (fever, cough, urinary symptoms, wound infection) to figure out where the infection came from and how it is getting worse. Most people who get sepsis have at least one underlying medical condition or have recently been to the doctor. These past events help doctors assess a patient's risk, diagnose the condition, and start treatment as soon as possible.

Physical examination

When a doctor examines a person for sepsis, they look for abnormal vital signs, signs of organ failure, and clinical signs of systemic infection. During an assessment, doctors check the patient's body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness. This is because changes in vitals can lead to a serious infection or a decline in overall health.

Capillary refill time (used to assess peripheral perfusion and hydration status) is also checked in children to assess how well their blood flows. Also, doctors look for systemic signs like fever or hypothermia (low body temperature), fast breathing, low blood pressure, confusion, clammy (cold) or sweaty skin, a weak pulse, and trouble breathing. These are signs that the body is not responding properly to the infection. These clinical findings facilitate the prompt identification of sepsis and inform urgent management decisions.


Early screening tools

Standardized clinical instruments, called early screening tools, are used to find patients who are at risk of serious conditions. Serious conditions are identified early, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment. These tools help doctors and nurses identify early warning signs, prioritize patients at higher risk, and improve clinical outcomes by getting patients the care they need as soon as possible.

  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria
  • National Early Warning Score (NEWS)/Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) for initial suspicion

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria

The Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria serve as an initial clinical screening tool, historically established to detect patients at risk of sepsis due to an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response. When two or more of the following physiological abnormalities are present, SIRS is diagnosed: (1) body temperature >38 °C or <36 °C, (2) heart rate >90 beats per minute, (3) respiratory rate >20 breaths per minute or arterial PaCO₂ <32 mm Hg, and (4) white blood cell count >12,000/µL, <4,000/µL, or >10% immature neutrophils (early stage neutrophils released from the bone marrow before full maturation).

These criteria were designed to be highly sensitive and easy to measure in clinical settings, enabling early detection of patients with systemic inflammation. When SIRS is linked to a suspected or confirmed infection, it was traditionally called sepsis. However, SIRS is not very specific because it can happen in noninfectious situations like trauma, burns, or surgery. This is why newer definitions of sepsis focus on organ dysfunction (Sepsis-3). Even so, SIRS remains a useful early screening tool for detecting systemic inflammation and the possibility of sepsis in clinical practice.


National Early Warning Score (NEWS)/Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS)

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) and the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) are standardized physiological scoring systems that help doctors identify early signs of clinical deterioration, such as a higher risk of sepsis, in hospitalized patients. These tools use standard vital signs and observations to identify patients at risk and make it easier to get them the care they need quickly.

NEWS2 looks at six things: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, level of consciousness (or new confusion on the AVPU scale (alert, voice, pain, and unresponsive)), and temperature. If the person is using supplemental oxygen, they get an extra 2 points. Scores range from 0 to 20, with higher scores meaning higher risk.

MEWS checks five main things: respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, temperature, and AVPU level of consciousness (each scored 0–3). A score of 0 to 14 usually means early deterioration. Urine output is not a standard part of most validated versions.


Initial Laboratory investigations

Initial laboratory investigations are crucial for promptly identifying and evaluating disease severity, helping clinicians confirm the diagnosis and facilitate timely management. These tests provide objective information on infection, organ function, and the body's overall response, helping doctors make the right decisions.

The following laboratory tests are commonly performed in the evaluation of sepsis:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Blood cultures 
  • Urinalysis and source cultures 
  • Serum lactate
  • Chemistry panel
  • Inflammatory markers
  • Coagulation profile
  • Liver function tests
  • Arterial blood gas
  • Serum glucose monitoring
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  • Serum electrolytes

  • Complete blood count (CBC): It is an important initial lab test for people suspected of having sepsis. It checks how the body is responding to the infection and how well it is fighting it. It helps detect leukocytosis (abnormal WBC count) or leukopenia (low WBC count), as well as more immature neutrophils (band forms), which are signs of systemic infection and sepsis. CBC is also helpful for detecting anaemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which may indicate that an organ isn't functioning properly or that sepsis is worsening. This can help doctors decide what tests to do next.
  • Blood cultures: These are important lab tests for sepsis because they help identify the microorganism causing the infection and guide antibiotic selection. It is recommended that a minimum of 2 sets of blood cultures for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria be obtained before initiating antibiotic therapy, provided this does not delay treatment, as early antibiotics may sterilize cultures and diminish pathogen detection.
  • Urinalysis and source cultures: Urinalysis with urine culture is performed in people who might have sepsis to diagnose whether a urinary tract infection is the cause, especially when there isn't a clear focus of infection. To find the pathogen that caused an infection and guide targeted antimicrobial therapy, source cultures (for example, from wounds, respiratory secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, or surgical sites) are taken from places where an infection is suspected.
  • Serum lactate: It is a key lab test for sepsis that helps doctors assess how severe the disease is and how much tissue is not getting enough blood flow. High levels of lactate (≥ 2 mmol/L) are part of the criteria for diagnosing sepsis and can mean septic shock and a higher risk of death. This makes it useful for figuring out who is at risk and understanding treatment response in individuals.
  • Chemistry panel: A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is performed to evaluate organ function in people who may have sepsis. It uses various tests for the kidneys (creatinine and BUN), the liver (ALT/AST enzymes and bilirubin), the electrolytes, and the glucose levels. These tests help detect metabolic and organ problems that show how severe and how quickly sepsis is worsening, and they help doctors decide how to treat it.
  • Inflammatory markers: When doctors suspect sepsis, they often check for biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, ferritin, fibrinogen, and serum amyloid proteins. These levels go up during systemic infection and inflammation, and they may help doctors figure out how bad the disease is and how likely it is to kill someone. Measuring multiple biomarkers together can help doctors better predict the risk of sepsis in patients.
  • Coagulation profile: In sepsis, coagulation tests like platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen are done to find coagulopathy (the ability to form a clot) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (hyperactive blood clotting that blocks small blood vessels), which is a common complication. Sepsis can interfere with the normal clotting system, leading to widespread clot formation and increased bleeding risk due to a lack of platelets and clotting factors. This is why it is important to evaluate the coagulation profile to see disease severity and the future risks.
  • Liver function tests: They are done to determine if the liver is not working properly because of sepsis-induced hypoperfusion (impaired blood flow), inflammation, or organ failure. Blood tests can show that the liver isn't working right, like when bilirubin or liver enzymes are too high. This means the organ isn't working right and helps doctors figure out the severity of sepsis and multi-organ failure risk.
  • Arterial blood gas: It is a critical laboratory test in sepsis for evaluating acid–base balance, oxygenation, and tissue perfusion in individuals with sepsis. Arterial or venous blood sampling aids in the detection of acid-base disturbances, including metabolic acidosis and hypoxemia, which frequently arise from tissue hypoperfusion and organ dysfunction. Arterial blood gas (ABG) results, such as high lactate levels, also show that oxygen delivery is not working and that cells are not getting enough oxygen. These results are used to figure out the risk of septic shock and to make a diagnosis.
  • Serum glucose monitoring: The comprehensive metabolic panel includes a test for serum glucose to detect metabolic problems and stress-related hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, which can occur with serious infection or organ failure. Unusual glucose levels show that metabolism has changed, which could affect how septic patients are treated and their chances of survival.
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): It measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product of protein metabolism excreted by the kidneys. High BUN levels may indicate that the renal function is impaired. This is common in sepsis due to acute kidney injury or reduced blood flow to the kidneys. This makes BUN an important sign of kidney problems when checking for sepsis.
  • Serum electrolytes: In sepsis, serum electrolyte testing (e.g., sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate, and bicarbonate) is important to assess fluid balance, acid-base status, and organ dysfunction. This is because electrolyte imbalances can happen when the body is infected, when the kidneys are not working properly, or when someone is in shock. Checking electrolytes helps doctors decide how to give fluids and care for septic patients in critical condition.



Imaging and Targeted Test

Imaging and targeted tests help find the source of the infection and which organs are affected. This information is used to make a final diagnosis and plan for the best treatment of sepsis.

  • Chest X-ray
  • Extremity X-rays
  • Ultrasound/CT scan
  • Lumbar puncture

  • Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is recommended to evaluate suspected sepsis and identify a lung infection, such as pneumonia. Clinicians should consider chest X-rays in all individuals with suspected sepsis to ascertain the source of infection, particularly when a respiratory infection is suspected.
  • Extremity X-rays: These are used to detect infections in bones and muscles, such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, soft-tissue infections, or foreign bodies, which can be a source of sepsis. When clinical evaluation and lab tests don't provide a clear answer, imaging studies are recommended to help determine the source of the infection. This will help with further treatment and controlling the source.
  • Ultrasound/CT scan: When the source of an infection is unclear, imaging tests such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) are performed to identify the focus of the infection that requires source control. Ultrasonography and CT scans are among the most important diagnostic imaging modalities doctors use to identify infection sites and guide treatment. The choice depends on which organ system is thought to be involved.
  • Lumbar puncture: Neuroimaging (CT or MRI) is not routinely necessary before lumbar puncture; however, it should be conducted in patients exhibiting risk factors for elevated intracranial pressure or space-occupying lesions (e.g., focal neurological deficits, seizures, abnormal pupils, or diminished consciousness). The main test for diagnosing a central nervous system infection is a lumbar puncture, but it should be postponed until these safety issues are addressed.


Scoring systems

Standardized clinical tools, called scoring systems, are used to assess sepsis severity, predict outcomes, and help identify and treat septic patients early.

  • Sequential organ failure assessment qSOFA score 
  • Full SOFA score 


  • Sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score: The qSOFA score is a simple bedside scoring system that quickly identifies patients who may have an infection and are more likely to have poor outcomes outside the ICU. It does this by looking at their altered mental status, respiratory rate of 22 or more breaths per minute, and systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or less. A score of 2 or higher means that there is a higher risk and that more tests are needed to check for organ failure and sepsis.
  • Full SOFA score: The full Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is used to assess organ failure in sepsis by evaluating six organ systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, hepatic, coagulation, renal, and neurological. Each system is assigned a score from 0 to 4 based on its severity. An acute rise of ≥2 points in the SOFA score attributable to infection indicates organ dysfunction and supports the diagnosis of sepsis.

✅Sepsis Stages

Sepsis is often divided into stages based on the body's response to the infection, organ functioning, and hemodynamics (how stable the blood flow is). This framework aids clinicians in assessing disease severity and guiding treatment strategies. The following are the stages of sepsis, which include:

Current Classification (Sepsis-3)

Modern definitions focus on organ dysfunction rather than inflammation alone, improving diagnostic accuracy. Present staging of sepsis include: 

  • Sepsis: It is a life-threatening host immune response associated with dysregulated organ-dysfunction. Clinically, it is identified by an increase in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of ≥2 points, indicative of suspected infection.
  • Septic Shock: It causes serious problems with circulation and cellular/metabolic function. It is characterised by persistent hypotension that needs vasopressors to keep mean arterial pressure (MAP) at least 65 mmHg and serum lactate levels above 2 mmol/L, even after adequate volume resuscitation. It has a high risk of death (>40%).


Historical Classification (Pre-2016, Obsolete)

Original staging used SIRS criteria but was replaced due to poor specificity. It includes: 

  • Sepsis: The first stage is a systemic inflammatory response to infection. This often shows changes in vital signs, such as a fever (above 38°C) or hypothermia (below 36°C), a heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute, rapid breathing (more than 20 breaths per minute), and abnormal white blood cell counts. It is the body's first line of defence, but it can get worse if not treated.
  • Severe sepsis: Sepsis causes organs to stop working properly, which can show up as changes in mental status, low urine output (oliguria), low blood pressure, or hypoxia. Patients are at greater risk of having problems with more than one organ because of ongoing inflammation and poor blood flow to the tissues.
  • Septic Shock: The most important stage is when blood pressure stays low even after fluids are given, lactate levels are high, and organs are failing badly. This stage often needs vasopressors and has a high death rate. This stage shows a serious failure of the circulatory and metabolic systems.

✅Sepsis differential diagnosis

When diagnosing sepsis, it is necessary to rule out conditions that look like systemic inflammatory response and organ dysfunction but aren't caused by an infection. The various differential diagnostic conditions of sepsis include:

  • Noninfectious systemic inflammatory response (SIRS)
  • Acute myocardial infarction (MI)
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Adrenal crisis
  • Thyrotoxicosis
  • Acute transfusion reaction or anaphylaxis
  • Drug or toxin-related reactions

  • Noninfectious systemic inflammatory response (SIRS): Trauma, burns, surgery, or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, often due to gallbladder stones or consuming alcohol) can exhibit systemic inflammatory response (SIRS)-like characteristics in the absence of infection.
  • Acute myocardial infarction (MI): Myocardial infarction is commonly referred to as a heart attack, characterized by death of heart muscles because of hypoperfusion in the coronary arteries of the heart due to thrombus interruption associated with low blood pressure, fast heart rate, and changes in mental status that look like septic shock.
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE): A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries that carry blood to the lungs. It generally occurs when a blood clot breaks lodge from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs or pelvis, travels through the bloodstream, and becomes lodged in a lung artery, causing severe respiratory distress (difficulty breathing), a fast heart rate, and low blood pressure, which are similar to sepsis.
  • Acute pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis is a sudden swelling of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that helps in digestion and hyperglycemia (serum sugar levels) control, associated with systemic inflammation, fever, and organ dysfunction that mimics sepsis.
  • Adrenal crisis: An adrenal crisis is a life-threatening medical emergency when the adrenal glands suddenly stop making enough steroid hormone. People with adrenal insufficiency, like Addison's disease, are more likely to get it associated with symptoms such as low blood pressure (hypotension), electrolyte imbalance and shock, which may mimic septic shock.
  • Thyrotoxicosis: It is a clinical condition characterized by elevated thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels in the bloodstream, leading to a hypermetabolic state. It causes symptoms including fever, a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and altered mental status, which may resemble sepsis.
  • Acute transfusion reactions or anaphylaxis: Acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) are adverse reactions that occur during or shortly after a blood transfusion. They can be mild or life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a serious type of allergy that happens quickly and can cause airway problems or sudden shock, fever and low blood pressure(hypotension), which can be confused with sepsis.
  • Drug or toxin-related reactions: Drug or toxin-related reactions are harmful physical reactions that happen when someone is exposed to, uses drugs or toxins for a long time, or suddenly stops using them. Alcohol is one example of a drug or toxin. It happens when people who are dependent on alcohol suddenly stop drinking, which makes their central nervous system hyperexcitable and exerts symptoms such as fever, fast heart rate (tachycardia) and confusion that may mimic septic symptoms.

✅Goal-directed therapy for sepsis

The main goals of treating sepsis include: 

Early recognition and antibiotic usage within an hour can lower the risk of death.

  • Resuscitation: Lactate levels should return to normal (not just go down); fluid levels should be checked regularly to avoid overload and mean arterial pressure (MAP) should be at least 65 mmHg. Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2)/central venous pressure (CVP) levels are no longer routine targets.
  • Source control/antimicrobial stewardship: It is accomplished within 6-12 hours after resuscitation, reducing antibiotics based on cultures.
  • Monitoring: Organ support to fix dysfunction (for example, using SOFA scores instead of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores to assess disease severity, which is more for ICU prognosis); monitor serum lactate, perfusion (blood flow to the organ system), and volume status.

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Sepsis Treatment hospital in Hyderabad, India

Sepsis Treatment

The main goal of sepsis treatment is to promptly treat the infection with broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluids, and source control to prevent organ dysfunction. Sepsis treatment guidelines say that timely sepsis therapy should include hemodynamic support (vasopressors, oxygen, and organ support measures) to improve survival outcomes and prevent progression to septic shock.

The following steps are involved in sepsis management:

  • General supportive ICU measures
  • Early recognition and diagnosis
  • Immediate Antimicrobial therapy (within 1 hour)
  • Intravenous fluid resuscitation
  • Vasopressors (if hypotension persists)
  • Source control of infection
  • Oxygen and respiratory support
  • Hemodynamic monitoring and organ support
  • Intensive care unit (ICU) management
  • Adjunctive therapies (if needed)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Blood transfusion
  • Prevention and follow-up care


  • General supportive ICU measures: High-quality intensive care for people with sepsis includes early resuscitation with fluids and vasopressors, continuous monitoring, organ support (such as mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy), targeted antimicrobial therapy, and prevention of complications such as organ failure and secondary infections. To improve outcomes and lower the death rate, it is important to have effective systems of care that include timely escalation and close monitoring.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis: Early recognition of sepsis means promptly suspecting and identifying an infection with organ dysfunction, and initiating diagnostic evaluation and treatment promptly. This is because early detection and timely clinical management are important for reducing mortality. Diagnostic assessment includes clinical evaluation, biomarker testing, and other tests to identify the pathogen causing the disease, enabling targeted therapy.
  • Immediate Antimicrobial therapy (within 1 hour): It is recommended that broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy be initiated promptly in patients who are thought to have septic shock or are very likely to have sepsis. This should happen within an hour of recognizing the symptoms, because delaying antibiotic treatment is linked to higher death rates.
  • Intravenous fluid resuscitation: Patients with sepsis-induced hypoperfusion or septic shock should receive early fluid resuscitation with intravenous crystalloids (fluids). This usually means 30 mL/kg within the first 3 hours to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion. Not giving the right fluids at the right time can make hypotension take longer to go away and raise the risk of death.
  • Vasopressors (if hypotension persists): If low blood pressure persists despite adequate fluid resuscitation, vasopressors should be used to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of at least 65 mm Hg. An adrenergic agent (catecholamine) is the first choice. If an adrenergic agent alone doesn't work, another vasopressor can be added.
  • Source control of infection: Source control means finding and removing the infection focus (e.g., draining an abscess, removing dead tissue, or removing infected devices) as soon as possible. This is very important for improving survival in sepsis patients. It should be implemented as soon as possible after the first resuscitation.
  • Oxygen and respiratory support: In cases of hypoxic respiratory failure due to sepsis, supplemental oxygen should be administered to correct low oxygen levels. For people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by sepsis, lung-protective mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes (about 6 mL/kg) and controlled airway pressures is recommended to lower the risk of death.
  • Hemodynamic monitoring and organ support: When someone is in septic shock, it is necessary to monitor invasive arterial blood pressure, assess perfusion markers (such as lactate), and use advanced hemodynamic variables (like cardiac output or central venous oxygen saturation) to support resuscitation and stabilize circulation. In severe sepsis or septic shock, failing organs may need help from machines, such as mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, or inotropic support (inotropic support means giving critically ill patients drugs that make their hearts contract more strongly to improve their circulation and cardiac output.
  • Intensive care unit (ICU) management: Sepsis management in the intensive care unit (ICU) includes managing critically ill patients with high-quality supportive care, which includes monitoring for organ failure, keeping the airway open and oxygenated, providing hemodynamic support, and treating the infection until the patient is fully recovered. These measures should be part of a full sepsis clinical management plan in emergency and critical care hospitals.
  • Adjunctive therapies (if needed)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Blood transfusion
  • Corticosteroids: Low-dose corticosteroids can be used as an add-on treatment for septic shock when hypotension doesn't get better with enough fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy. This is because they can shorten the time of shock and the need for vasopressors. However, they are not routinely advised on whether hemodynamic stability is achieved solely with fluids and vasopressors.
  • Blood transfusion: In adults with sepsis or septic shock, a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy is preferred. This means that transfusions should be given only when haemoglobin levels drop below 7 g/dL, and the goal should be to raise them to 7–9 g/dL after tissue hypoperfusion has been corrected. Clinical conditions like myocardial ischemia (heart attack), severe hypoxemia (bluish discolouration of lips, skin due to impaired oxygen supply), or active bleeding should also be considered when making decisions about transfusions.
  • Prevention and follow-up care: Preventing sepsis means avoiding infections by keeping clean, getting vaccinated, caring for wounds, and seeking prompt treatment for infections. It also means teaching patients and caregivers how to spot warning signs and get help right away. After recovery, structured follow-up and patient education are recommended to monitor for complications and encourage people to seek medical help promptly after leaving the hospital.


Non-pharmacological therapy

  • Supportive care 
  • Nutritional support
  • Temperature management
  • Non-conventional immunomodulatory approaches

Supportive care: In sepsis supportive care involves integrated clinical care, like intensive monitoring, organ-supportive critical care, early source control(draining an abscess, cleaning up infected or dead tissue, taking out a device (like a catheter), or stopping the spread of infection, and the prevention of complications and organ failure, facilitated by coordinated emergencies, critical, and operative services to enhance outcomes.

Nutritional support: For septic patients who can handle it, early enteral nutrition (oral or tube feeding) is better than fasting or early parenteral nutrition. The feeding should be increased slowly as the patient can handle it. Parenteral nutrition alone is typically avoided during the initial 7 days unless oral feeding is impossible.

Temperature management: In sepsis, avoid extreme temperature changes. To prevent complications and improve organ function, physical measures such as external cooling for severe hyperthermia or gradual rewarming for hypothermia may be used. The goal of temperature control is to reduce physiological stress (such as tachycardia and fluid loss) and make the patient more comfortable, not just to return their body temperature to normal.

Non-conventional immunomodulatory approaches:  New non-traditional strategies aim to change the immune response that isn't working properly by using supportive treatments such as immunonutrition (usually oral or parenteral formulas enriched with pharmaconutrients like antioxidants), temperature control, and other therapies that affect inflammation and immunity. These methods might help restore immune balance and improve results, but more clinical testing is needed before they can be used regularly.

✅Sepsis Prognosis

Sepsis is still a major cause of death and illness around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Even people who survive it often have long-term problems and organ failure. Early detection and high-quality medical care can greatly improve morbidity and reduce the risk of long-term problems.

Sepsis Treatment Cost in Hyderabad, India

The cost of Sepsis Treatment in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹1,20,000 to ₹10,00,000 and above (approx. US $1,445 – US $12,050).

The exact cost of sepsis treatment varies depending on the severity of infection (sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock), number of organs involved, duration of ICU stay, need for ventilator support, dialysis, vasopressor medications, advanced antibiotics, and the patient’s overall medical condition. Underlying diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, or heart disease may also influence the total cost — along with ICU infrastructure, monitoring systems, and availability of cashless treatment options, TPA corporate tie-ups, and insurance assistance wherever applicable.

Cost Breakdown According to Type of Sepsis Treatment

  • Sepsis with ICU Monitoring & IV Antibiotics – ₹1,20,000 – ₹3,00,000 (US $1,445 – US $3,615)
  • Severe Sepsis with Organ Support – ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 (US $3,010 – US $7,230)
  • Septic Shock with Ventilator Support – ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,50,000 (US $4,820 – US $10,250)
  • Sepsis Requiring Dialysis (Kidney Support) – ₹3,50,000 – ₹9,00,000 (US $4,210 – US $10,840)
  • Prolonged ICU Care with Multi-Organ Failure – ₹6,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ (US $7,230 – US $12,050+)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Sepsis

  • Is sepsis curable?

    Yes, sepsis is curable, but it is a life-threatening medical emergency that can be fatal if not identified and treated promptly and can cause organ failure and death. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment (such as antimicrobials, IV fluids, and supportive care) can save lives. If diagnosed early, the chances of survival are high, but septic shock, the most severe stage, has a death rate of 30% to 40%. It is possible to recover fully, but some people may have long-term physical or mental effects.


  • Is sepsis dangerous?

    Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that can be fatal. It happens when the body reacts too strongly to an infection, which results in tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It is very serious, with death rates ranging from 30% for sepsis to 80% for septic shock. This means that immediate, intensive care is needed.


  • Which Is the best hospital for Sepsis Treatment in Hyderabad, India?

    PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, is a trusted centre for the management of sepsis and critical care emergencies, offering round-the-clock advanced ICU support.


    We have highly experienced intensivists, critical care specialists, infectious disease experts, pulmonologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, and internal medicine specialists who work together using evidence-based sepsis management protocols focused on rapid infection control, organ stabilisation, and prevention of complications.


    With access to advanced ventilators, invasive monitoring systems, dialysis units, high-flow oxygen therapy, blood culture laboratories, and dedicated critical care ICUs, PACE Hospitals ensures timely intervention and comprehensive sepsis management.

  • What does a WBC count indicate in sepsis?

    In sepsis, the white blood cell (WBC) count is usually not normal. It may show marked leukocytosis (high WBC count >12000/μL) or, in very severe cases, leukopenia (low WBC count <4000/μL). A rising or, in some cases, very low WBC can increase death rate, and a "left shift," indicating more immature band neutrophils, is common.


  • What is the “Golden Hour” for sepsis treatment?

    The first 60 minutes after sepsis is recognized are the most important for treatment. Starting antibiotics, giving fluids, and other treatments during this time greatly increase the chances of survival. This urgent, time-sensitive protocol aims to reverse septic shock, and some studies suggest that acting within this hour can lower the risk of death by 9.5%.


  • What Is the cost of Sepsis Treatment at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad?

    At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, the cost of sepsis treatment typically ranges from

    ₹1,10,000 to ₹9,50,000 and above (approx. US $1,325 – US $11,445), making it a competitive and comprehensive option for advanced ICU care in Hyderabad. However, the final cost depends on:

    • Severity of sepsis and organ involvement
    • Duration of ICU stay
    • Need for ventilator or dialysis support
    • Type of infection and antibiotic therapy
    • Specialist consultations and monitoring
    • Diagnostic tests (blood cultures, imaging, laboratory tests)
    • Medications, transfusions, and supportive care

    After a detailed critical care assessment and diagnostic evaluation, our specialists provide a transparent cost estimate based on the patient’s clinical condition and required level of ICU support.

  • Can anyone get sepsis?

    Yes, anyone can get sepsis. It is the body's extreme, life-threatening response to any infection, whether it is bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. It can occur in anyone, but it happens most often to people over 65, infants, pregnant, and individuals with low immune activity or long-term illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease.

  • Looking for the best Sepsis Treatment Hospital Near Me?

    If you’re searching for the top sepsis treatment hospital near me in areas like HITEC City, Madhapur, Kondapur, Gachibowli, Kukatpally, or KPHB, it is essential to choose a hospital with a fully equipped ICU and experienced critical care specialists.


    Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires:

    • Immediate ICU admission
    • Early broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy
    • Continuous vital monitoring
    • Advanced ventilator and dialysis support (if required)
    • Rapid laboratory and imaging diagnostics

    At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, patients receive protocol-driven sepsis management with 24/7 ICU support and multidisciplinary supervision to improve survival outcomes.

How to treat sepsis?

Sepsis can be treated by preventing progression to septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction and possibly death. Sepsis needs immediate and thorough medical care, especially in the ICU. To treat sepsis, early evaluation is required; provide emergency resuscitation; start antimicrobial therapy right away; control the source of the infection; closely monitor the patient; and prevent septic shock, organ dysfunction, and complications.

Supportive critical care and early source control (e.g., surgery) also lowers the risk of death and illness. It also says that giving sepsis patients antimicrobials early (broad-spectrum at first, then narrowed based on cultures within 48 to 72 hours to reduce resistance), intravenous fluids for low blood pressure, and vasopressors when needed are all important for better outcomes.

How to identify sepsis?

Sepsis can be diagnosed with specific clinical signs and diagnostic findings. There is no single test for sepsis, so doctors use a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests, and imaging to detect infections and organ dysfunction. High levels of lactate, abnormal white blood cell counts, and organ failure (for example, kidney or liver failure) are some of the most important signs. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and qSOFA (low blood pressure, rapid breathing, altered mental status) are two tools doctors often use to diagnose patients quickly.

How to treat sepsis in dialysis patients?

Dialysis patients with sepsis need immediate, specialized care, usually in an ICU, that focuses on promptly administering broad-spectrum antibiotics (within an hour) and controlling the source of the infection, such as removing infected catheters, draining abscesses, or removing dead tissue. Fluid resuscitation with caution and monitoring (because of kidney failure), vasopressors for shock, and changing dialysis (for example, switching to CRRT). This type of dialysis filters blood continuously for patients who are very sick and have acute kidney injury or failure. It helps remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid when the kidneys can't do their job. Keeping things stable is one of the most important strategies.

How to boost the immune system after sepsis?

There is no quick way to "boost" the immune system after sepsis. Still, recovery advice focuses on gradually increasing physical activity, resting when tired, and getting follow-up care, because recovery takes time and complications or recurrent infections can occur. Instead of unproven immune-boosting treatments, people should focus on eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and preventing infections through good hygiene. People who have had sepsis are more likely to get infections or sepsis again, so it's important to get medical help right away if any infection symptoms get worse.

What blood tests are done for sepsis?

Several blood tests are done to evaluate sepsis. Blood cultures are performed to confirm infection and identify the causative organism, but they may be negative if antibiotics have already been given. Other blood tests, which include complete blood count (CBC) with a white blood cell differential, arterial blood gas tests, serum lactate to assess tissue perfusion, kidney function tests, and coagulation studies (such as platelet count and clotting times). Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are two other important tests. These tests help detect infections, inflammation, and organ problems linked to sepsis.

Why is lactate elevated in sepsis?

In sepsis, lactate levels rise due to a combination of tissue hypoperfusion (not enough oxygen reaching cells, leading to anaerobic metabolism), increased aerobic glycolysis (breakdown of glucose) driven by the stress response, impaired mitochondrial function, and the liver's inability to clear lactate quickly. It is a key sign of metabolic problems and a higher risk of death in septic shock.

Can sepsis be misdiagnosed?

Yes, sepsis is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late in 8.2% to 20.8% of cases. This is because its early, vague symptoms, like fever, fast heart rate, and confusion, are like those of common illnesses like urinary tract infections, the flu, or dehydration. It happens a lot in emergency rooms that people get the wrong diagnosis, especially when doctors don't order blood tests on time or miss early, subtle signs of infection.

What is the “sepsis six” bundle?

The Sepsis Six bundle is a structured set of emergency care steps that must be followed within the first hour of recognizing a patient with sepsis. Giving oxygen, administering intravenous antibiotics, obtaining blood cultures, administering intravenous fluids, measuring serum lactate, and checking urine output are all things that need to be done right away.

How can sepsis recurrence be known?

Relapses or recurrences of sepsis can be recognized by new or worsening infection symptoms after recovery. This is because people who have had sepsis are more likely to get it again. If someone who had sepsis before gets an infection that isn't getting better or is getting worse, they should go to the doctor right away and ask if the infection could be causing sepsis again. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for survival.

How can sepsis recurrence be known?

Relapses or recurrences of sepsis can be recognized by new or worsening infection symptoms after recovery. This is because people who have had sepsis are more likely to get it again. If someone who had sepsis before gets an infection that isn't getting better or is getting worse, they should go to the doctor right away and ask if the infection could be causing sepsis again. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for survival.

Is Sepsis Treatment Covered by Insurance at PACE Hospitals?

Yes, sepsis treatment is generally covered under most health insurance policies at PACE Hospitals, subject to policy terms and approval. Since sepsis is classified as a medical emergency requiring hospitalisation and ICU care, it is typically included in both private insurance and corporate health plans.

At PACE Hospitals, patients can benefit from:

  • Cashless hospitalization facilities with empaneled insurance providers
  • Assistance from a dedicated insurance and TPA coordination team
  • Pre-authorization support and documentation guidance
  • Transparent cost estimates before admission
  • Support for government health schemes where applicable

Coverage depends on waiting periods, ICU coverage clauses, sum insured limits, pre-existing disease conditions, and policy inclusions. Patients are encouraged to share insurance details in advance so the hospital’s insurance desk can verify eligibility and streamline approvals without delaying treatment.