featured-image

The Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay has revealed that his hands and feet have been amputated after a sepsis diagnosis. Last September, the MP was admitted to hospital with septic shock, which resulted in kidney and liver failure, as well as blood clots that made his limbs turn black. Here is a Q&A on the main points to know about the condition.

What is sepsis? Sepsis is a condition caused when your immune system overreacts to an infection in your body and begins to attack your organs and tissues. It can lead to septic shock, which happens when a severe case of sepsis causes your blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels, which can result in organ failure. Among the most common infections that can lead to sepsis are abdominal and chest infections.



Across the UK, sepsis affects more than 245,000 people every year, and there are 48,000 deaths due to sepsis-related illnesses. Worldwide, sepsis and sepsis-related conditions cause an estimated 8m deaths a year. Of those who survive sepsis, about 40% develop potentially life-changing challenges to their physical or mental health, such as limb amputation.

What are the symptoms ? The symptoms of sepsis can be difficult to spot and can lead to misdiagnosis as its onset can often be rapid. Symptoms include loss of breath, diarrhoea, intense muscle pain, shivering, loss of breath, high fever, fainting and vomiting. In babies and young children, the symptoms of sepsis include blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, a rash that does not f.

Back to Health Page