Sepsis can cause a range of health problems and regardless of the outcome, the impact of the disease is huge, changing lives forever.
Thankfully, the majority of babies who survive sepsis recover without serious after-effects, but some babies may recover with one or more of the effects listed below:
- Lethargy
- Problems with movement and co-ordination (ranging from muscle weakness to paralysis)
- Behavioural/emotional problems
- Memory/concentration problems
- Learning problems (ranging from mild difficulties to severe disability)
- Speech and language problems
Some after-effects may only affect children who have been ill with septicaemia. These include:
- Skin and muscle damage
- Amputations including loss of fingers, toes, and limbs
- Bone growth problems
- Organ damage (such as kidney failure)
We know from an MRI scan that Daisey-May’s brain has been very badly damaged. What we don’t know yet is how she will be affected in the future and what she will and won’t be able to do. She has epilepsy and is on three different medications to control her seizures.
— Bethany
It may or may not be apparent if your child has any serious or long-term after-effects before leaving hospital. If you have any concerns about your baby’s expected long-term outcome, please ask the paediatrician or other members of the healthcare team treating your child. They should discuss this with you before discharge and refer your child to other specialists for follow up.
Where can I go for support?
Click below for a list of organisations that can help with support and advice for parents with a newborn baby who is sick and/or a child with a disability:
Featured PageOther Organisations
Other Organisations
Take a look at other organisations which can support you and your family. Here are links to other websites which we hope you may be useful. Counselling, advice & support:…
You may also find our leaflet, After your baby’s group B Strep infection, helpful.
