Sepsis

Sepsis is often a fatal disease process depending on the severity of the critical illness. Conventionally, sepsis has been regarded as a systemic inflammatory response caused by infection, but is now defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It can be difficult to determine whether infection is present and when it is, whether it is the cause of critical illness and organ failure. However, when sepsis is suspected, it is crucial to look for the source of infection, as the rapid and effective treatment of infection improves outcome. A successful approach to clinical management needs timely recognition and early resuscitative measures with concurrent diagnosis and specific therapy, including source control, where indicated. A collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to multisystem organ support is often required to achieve the best outcome.