New guidelines for paediatric sepsis

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for suspected sepsis in people under 16 years old were published in November 2025. The focus is on recognition, diagnosis and early management of the condition. The World Health Organization has declared sepsis as a priority in health, because in some cases it can be preventable. Sepsis in children may present initially with non-specific, non-localised symptoms, especially in younger children, so it is important to have a low threshold for suspecting sepsis. Progression to organ failure and shock can be very rapid, so early recognition and treatment are crucial for sepsis.