Can COVID-19 cause sepsis?

The answer is a qualified “yes”. On March 13, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a guide line document with detailed instructions on the clinical management in case an infection with SARS-CoV-2 is suspected, also known as the novel coronavirus (1). The guide line lists sepsis as a possible cause of death among COVID-19 patients. Another interesting article that highlights the connection between COVID-19 and sepsis was published in Nursing Times, on March 10 (2).

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to an infection and can be triggered by a variety of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, sepsis is often diagnosed very late and puts an enormous pressure on the health care system - the intensive care treatment is highly complex and costly, the available capacities are limited.

The global threat that is currently posed by COVID-19 underlines that it is of paramount importance to promote society’s awareness of sepsis and its prevention. We at hemotune AG work jointly on a revolutionary medical device to fight sepsis and ease the burden on the health care system.

1. Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected. Interim Guidance. WHO, 13.03.2020 [cited 2020 Mar 19]. Available from: Link

2. Coronavirus death ‘more likely’ in older people and those with sepsis. Nursing Times, 10.03.2020 [cited 2020 Mar 19]. Available from: Link