Condition
Pediatric Sepsis or Septic Shock
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a term for severe infection that is present in the blood and spreads throughout the body. In newborns, it is also called sepsis neonatorum or neonatal septicemia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sepsis in babies?
What microorganisms cause severe infections and sepsis in babies?
Why is sepsis in babies a concern?
What are the symptoms of sepsis in babies?
How is sepsis in babies diagnosed?
What is the treatment for sepsis in babies?
Meet the Providers Who Treat Sepsis or Septic Shock
Patient Stories
- Saving Ashley's Life — Twice
"My parents always recall how the doctors and nurses in the PICU understood that my life was in their hands," Ashley says. "They saved my life, but it wouldn't be the last time."
Departments that Treat Sepsis or Septic Shock

Neonatology
Whether your infant has arrived prematurely or has a critical illness, the Children's National Hospital's top-ranked neonatology team assists in coordinating every service you and your baby need, including consultations, assessments, emergency treatments and continuing care.