From the Guidelines
Sepsis is caused by a dysregulated host response to an infection, which can be triggered by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, with the most common being bacterial infections affecting the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or abdomen 1. The infection enters the bloodstream, causing the immune system to overreact, releasing chemicals that damage blood vessels and organs, leading to widespread inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially organ failure. Key factors that contribute to the development of sepsis include:
- Infection, which is the primary cause of sepsis
- Host response, which can be influenced by factors such as age, immune status, and underlying medical conditions
- Organ dysfunction, which can occur as a result of the host response and infection Risk factors for sepsis include:
- Age, with very young or elderly individuals being more susceptible
- Weakened immune systems, which can increase the risk of infection and sepsis
- Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, which can increase the risk of infection and sepsis
- Recent hospitalizations or surgeries, which can increase the risk of infection and sepsis Early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and organ support are crucial for survival and improving outcomes in patients with sepsis 1. Symptoms of sepsis include:
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Extreme pain or discomfort It is essential to note that sepsis can progress to septic shock, characterized by dangerously low blood pressure and multiple organ dysfunction, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
From the Research
Causes of Sepsis
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to an infection, leading to organ dysfunction 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The leading causative agents of sepsis include bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as fungal pathogens of the Candida species 2.
- Sepsis occurs when an infection exceeds local tissue containment and induces a series of dysregulated physiologic responses that result in organ dysfunction 6.
Pathophysiology of Sepsis
- Sepsis is characterized by concurrent unbalanced hyperinflammation and immune suppression 3.
- The immune system's role in sepsis progression, resolution, and long-term outcome is complex, with sepsis altering the innate and adaptive immune responses for sustained periods of time after clinical recovery 6.
- The dysregulated host response to infection leads to organ dysfunction, which is the hallmark of sepsis 4, 5.
Key Factors Contributing to Sepsis
- Host factors of susceptibility, such as immune suppression, play a crucial role in the development of sepsis 2.
- Virulence factors of the pathogen, such as the ability to evade the host's immune response, also contribute to the development of sepsis 2.
- The complex interplay between the initial inflammatory and later anti-inflammatory responses is thought to contribute to sepsis-induced organ dysfunction and lethality 6.