This law went in to effect in 2023, making Rhode Island one of six states now mandating health care providers develop protocols that are designed to improve quick identification and treatment of those with sepsis.
“She got a sore throat,” recalled Tara Cirella, of her 16-year-old daughter, Gianna.
That was on Oct. 17, 2017. She went to urgent care and was diagnosed with strep throat said Cirella, and sent home.
A few days later, Gianna’s symptoms worsened, and she was sent to Hasbro Children’s Hospital where they made a diagnosis of pneumonia, which quickly evolved into sepsis.
Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system over reacts to an infection, even a mild one, leading to organ failure and tissue damage.
Without early and proper treatment, it can lead to death.
By Nov. 1, Gianna passed away.
Cirella fully believes her daughter might still be alive if a correct diagnosis was made earlier.
“You can’t live in why and it’s not fair and how come and anger,” said Cirella.
Turning that sadness and anger in to action, the Cirella’s became one of three families, in their daughter’s names, to lobby for improved protocols for early sepsis recognition in Rhode Island.
The other two families: The Charette’s and Otrando’s, both of Cumberland.
“The expectation is that every hospital, every health care facility should have the ability to recognize sepsis early,” said Dr. Lee Polikoff, a pediatric intensivist at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where he specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
He, along with the three families, helped lead the charge to change things.
“That early recognition really improves outcomes for pediatric and adult patients,” said Polikoff.
“The data shows about 75,000 children per year have sepsis. Mortality rates can be as high as 20%.”
An even bigger problem is this:
“There is clearly a systemic problem in the US about the delivery of care to minority patients,” said Polikoff, who said sometimes concerning symptoms in this population of patients are dismissed.
“Non Hispanic African American children die at a higher rate than their Caucasian counterparts, so by having this legislation in place it really speaks to enhanced quality of care, of equitable care,” said Polikoff.
“My message is always you have to advocate for your child. You might just save your child’s life,” said Cirella, who, in Gianna’s memory and honor, started a website called: GI Strong.
Rhode Island’s law is modeled after one in New York, known as Rory’s Regulations.
