Sepsis and septic shock

Abstract

In 2016, the third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3), redefined sepsis as a»life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection«. Sepsis can initially present as or progress to septic shock. Sepsis and septic shock are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and still associated with an unacceptably high mortality. Therefore, it is from outmost importance to early differentiate sepsis from an uncomplicated infection. Early and adequate focus control, prompt antibiotic therapy and hemodynamic support by fluid resuscitation and vasopressor infusion are the mainstays of sepsis therapy. Timing and amount of these measures are controversially discussed. Recently there has been emerging evidence of targeting the microcirculatory, metabolic and immunological abnormalities in sepsis.