From the Research
Introduction to Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection [ 1 ]. The main etiological causes of sepsis are bacterial, fungal, and viral infections [ 1 ].
Causes of Sepsis
The causes of sepsis can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Bacterial infections [ 1 ]
- Fungal infections [ 1 ]
- Viral infections [ 1 ]
- Immune-cell mediated inflammatory responses [ 1 ]
Pathophysiology of Sepsis
The pathophysiology of sepsis is complex, involving both pathogen-related factors and immune-cell mediated inflammatory responses [ 1 ]. This dysregulated host response can lead to adverse outcomes in early or advanced stages of disease [ 1 ].
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
The initial clinical presentation of sepsis is similar, regardless of the etiology [ 1 ]. However, inflammatory profiles may be able to distinguish between different etiologies of infections [ 1 ]. Early recognition of sepsis and appropriate treatment with antibiotics, fluids, and vasopressors is essential to reducing organ system injury and mortality [ 2 ].
Treatment and Management
Treatment of sepsis typically involves:
- Antibiotics [ 3, 2 ]
- Fluid resuscitation [ 3, 2 ]
- Vasopressors [ 2 ]
- Lung protective ventilation [ 3 ]
- Judicious use of blood products [ 3 ]
- Strategies to reduce nosocomial infections [ 3 ]
Caveats and Considerations
It is essential to note that sepsis is a heterogeneous condition, and clinical diagnosis remains challenging [ 1 ]. Additionally, sepsis-specific treatment options are still lacking [ 1 ]. Classification and early identification of patient subgroups may aid clinical decisions and improve outcomes in sepsis patients [ 1 ].