Sepsis, A Leading Cause of Hospital Deaths, Is Focus of New York Regulations

One Boy's Death Moves State to Action to Prevent Others By Jim Dwyer.  The New York Times.  December 20, 2012.

Sepsis, according to an expert cited in the article, is the most common killer in intensive care units, killing more than breast cnancer, lung cancer, and stroke combined.  While sepsis treatment guidelines have been developed, the condition in its early stages is easily confused with the flu or common cold.  Early treatment with antibiotics and fluids can lessen the relative risk mortality by 40 percent.  New York's pioneering approach to sepsis and the story of the advocacy of a victim's family provide provide the human and scientific context.