Source Control in Sepsis

Abstract

Source control is generally accepted to be a key component in the treatment and reversal of sepsis. It is comprised of the physical efforts to remove or contain a focus of invasive infection in order to restore normal function [1]. The principles of source control for sepsis have been known for centuries, but only recently have prioritizing and achieving source control in sepsis become more recognized due to the heightened awareness of sepsis as a result of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign [2]. The majority of research in sepsis has focused on early diagnosis, resuscitation, antibiotics, and other therapies, and despite source control being the cornerstone of therapy for sepsis for centuries, it has not been widely studied. Due to this lack of evidence, source control is often overlooked or underutilized much to the detriment of septic patients.