These tests showed an elevated white cell count - one of the criteria that would indicate severe sepsis.

BBC: Savita Halappanavar

Mr Buckley said he could not explain one retrospective entry relating to the 24 October, the day Mrs Halappanavar developed severe sepsis.

BBC: Savita Halappanavar

According to the Health Department, New York's severe sepsis cases increased from 26, 001 in 2005 to 43, 608 in 2011, up 68 percent, while total cases rose from 71, 049 to 100, 073, up 41 percent.

WSJ: NY plans new hospital rules for treating sepsis

This is what happens in sepsis, when in response to a severe infection, the body goes into overdrive, with potentially fatal consequences.

BBC: Zinc 'keeps immune system in check'