Sepsis

 Sepsis in Ancient Egypt

The Edwin Smith Papyrus is an Ancient Egyptian text and the oldest known surgical text on trauma. Interestingly, this document,  describes 48 cases of injuries, fractures, wounds, dislocations and tumors.

However, the case that surprises the most, because of its semiological accuracy  is the seventh case in which the care of a penetrating cranial wound which perforated the sutures is exposed. 

First, the severity of the trauma and associated neurological consequences are corroborated, considering it still a treatable wound; 

Second, it only is considered incurable when, after a second clinical assessment, fever accompanied by flush, perspiration, neck stiffness, convulsions and ram urine odor in the wound are detected. (i.e Meningitis with sepsis). 

P.S. They did not have the ability to check lactic acid at the time.  

"Do the bundle"