A 21-year-old man had to have both legs amputated after contracting type B flu and pneumonia.
- Sepsis affects nearly 50 million people worldwide each year. More than 40% of patients are children under 5 years old.
- In Europe, sepsis is responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths in Europe, including nearly 57,000 in France.
A very active man, Levi Dewey was enjoying his youth to the fullest when he contracted life-threatening flu and pneumonia. Having developed sepsis, he lost both his legs days before his 21st birthday.
Sepsis developed after flu and pneumonia
The young Briton was hospitalized at the Royal Derby Hospital on December 7, 2022, as he had flu-like symptoms and significant breathing difficulties. The examinations carried out revealed that he was suffering from type B influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. Despite being treated, his condition worsened. He developed sepsis affecting his legs.
Previously known as sepsis, this life-threatening disorder is characterized by organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated immune response to infection.
Levi’s mother, Lara Dewey told the English press : “We were told early on that Levi could potentially lose his legs and need surgery, we were prepared for that outcome if it was to save his life”.
The patient was then sent to a larger hospital in order to benefit from an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). It is a respiratory and/or cardiac assistance technique that sets up extracorporeal circulation (CEC).
The treatment lasted 20 days – 14 of which the patient was in an induced coma. The doctors were able to gradually remove him from the machine as well as the respirator. Levi was finally returned to his local hospital on January 9.
Sepsis: amputation could not be avoided
But two days after returning to Royal Derby Hospital, Levi was told that due to the severity of the sepsis he had contracted, he had to undergo below-knee amputation for both legs. The operation was performed on January 24, a few days before his 21st birthday.
“Obviously it’s going to be life changing for everyone, but it’s something we can go through as a family and we have such a strong and positive support network. Levi has always had a positive mindset and his glass is always half full”explained his mother to the media.
His family has launched a fundraiser to help the young man organize his new life. As of January 27, 2023, the kitty is more than 75,000 pounds, or 7 times more than the target amount.
“The money will be used to buy Levi a wheelchair and for home improvements including handrails and a shower. Once he is able to walk again, we will consider buying him the best prosthetic limbs. possible in private and any other equipment he will need”said Lara Dewey.