East Hospital to gather top Latvian professionals and global experts for training conference on the World Sepsis Day

On 13 September 2024, Riga East Clinical University Hospital (East Hospital) will hold a training conference dedicated to World Sepsis Day for the first time, featuring international authorities and leading professionals from three Latvian university hospitals who will share their expertise on how to recognize, diagnose, and treat sepsis, the urgency of initiating therapy and life-saving measures for sepsis patients, as well as other critical aspects related to sepsis treatment.

Sepsis, commonly referred to as ‘blood poisoning’ in everyday language, has become one of the most frequent causes of mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that around 50 million people are affected by sepsis annually, with more than 11 million succumbing to the condition. To raise awareness about the research on issues associated with the onset of sepsis, its prevalence, treatment, and preventive measures, the World Sepsis Day takes place every year on 13 September.

The relevance of sepsis is currently associated with several trends, such as the growing antibiotic resistance that complicates the effective treatment of infections. Furthermore, an aging population and a rise in chronic diseases contribute to an increase in the number of individuals at risk for sepsis. Oļegs Šuba, the leading specialist in Anaesthesiology and Emergency Medicine at the East Hospital, points out: ‘In our daily work, we, the specialists and colleagues from all three university hospitals within the Baltic region, maintain constant communication to seek the best treatment solution when treating the most medically complex sepsis cases in patients. However, I believe that sharing knowledge about sepsis and educating the broader public is just as important. Sadly, statistically speaking, no one in today’s world is immune to sepsis.’

Therefore, as explained by Daina Baidekalne, Head of the Training Centre at the East Hospital, ‘the conference held on the World Sepsis Day aims at facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience among healthcare professionals. We are pleased that we have managed to bring together not only the best and most competent experts who are eager to share their knowledge and experience, but also an exceptionally large number of interested parties – over 350 attendees have already registered for the conference.’

Sepsis is most commonly caused by bacterial infections that can initially occur in any part of the body, such as the lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract (urinary tract infections), skin, or gastrointestinal tract. People with weakened immune systems, such as elderly people, children, individuals with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes or HIV), or those recovering from surgery, are particularly susceptible to sepsis. The groups at especially high risk include infants, elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as patients with chronic diseases or those who are long-term users of immunosuppressive medications, such as oncology patients after chemotherapy.

However, sepsis can also develop in completely healthy individuals after intense exertion, lack of sleep, or stress, which weaken the immune system and allow the infection to spread throughout the body. Genetic factors may also influence the risk of developing sepsis, but it occurs more frequently in individuals with underlying health conditions.

If the immune system is strong, the infection is usually contained in a specific part of the body, such as in one single organ, as in the case of pneumonia. However, if the immune system cannot respond adequately, the infection can spread throughout the body, leading to a life-threatening condition. ‘Early diagnosis and treatment are vital. For instance, administering antibiotics in the early stages can be lifesaving, as they halt the spread of infection, allowing the immune system to recover. However, if treatment is initiated too late and the infection has already spread throughout the body, affecting all organ systems, the situation can spiral out of control, leading to organ damage so severe that it may not be possible to save the individual’s life. Therefore, sepsis can be considered an urgent medical condition requiring prompt intervention and effective treatment to reduce the risk of death,’ explains O. Šuba.

The prevention and treatment of sepsis involves both individual actions and improvements in healthcare and society as a whole. To gain in-depth knowledge and share experiences, you can register for the conference dedicated to the World Sepsis Day at the East Hospital here:

https://aslimnica.lv/profesionaliem/izglitiba/konferences/

About the East Hospital 

Riga East Clinical University Hospital is the largest and strategically significant multi-profile hospital in the country. The hospital consists of five inpatient facilities – Gaiļezers, Latvian Oncology Centre, Biķernieki, Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Centre, and Latvian Infectious Diseases Centre, along with various specialised centres and clinics. The hospital provides highly specialised inpatient and secondary outpatient healthcare, offering multidisciplinary tertiary-level treatment and care in line with modern technology and medical knowledge. Approximately 80% of all cancer patients in Latvia are treated at the hospital. It serves as a practical training base for both Latvian educational institutions and foreign students, providing further education and knowledge transfer to healthcare specialists within and beyond the country. The hospital engages in scientific research and develops innovative methods for patient treatment. As the third-largest employer in the country, the hospital employs around 5000 staff members.