SEATTLE — A study in The Lancet estimates that sepsis is associated with one in five deaths around the world, or more deaths than cancer.<br /><br />Citing the authors, the University of Washington says in a news release that the study's figure doubled the previous estimates of global sepsis deaths.<br /><br />Sepsis is triggered by diarrhoeal infections or lung diseases that cause the immune system to overreact.<br /><br />The immune cells attack the patient's own body and can lead to organ failure followed by death.<br /> <br />In adults, sepsis symptoms include passing little urine, shivering, extreme shivering or muscle pain, and mottled or discolored skin.<br /><br />According to the paper, low and middle income countries are overwhelmingly more affected by sepsis cases.<br /><br />Those deaths could have been prevented by better sanitation, clean water, and access to vaccines.
