Sepsis and septic shock – recognize early, act fast, treat right

Abstract

Sepsis is a medical emergency and therefore requires early identification and immediate management, which is not a matter of hours, but minutes. Since the first definition in 1991, sepsis remains a major challenge for clinicians and scientists. Despite significant advances in technology and therapy, mortality and cost of treatment are unacceptably high. Septic shock is the leading cause of mortality in critically ill patients. Cognitive impairment and functional disability were observed after survivors’ long term follow-up. Since its foundation in 2002, Surviving Sepsis Campaign aims to implement global strategies and to raise awareness of the challenges associated with sepsis. The implementation of guidelines and sepsis care bundles resulted in significant decrease in mortality. Hospital mortality is lower in hospitals with high versus low bundle compliance. Still, epidemiological data for sepsis are missing for low-and middle-income countries.