From the Guidelines
No, septic does not only refer to bacterial infections, as it can also result from viral, fungal, or parasitic infections. Septic refers to a serious condition resulting from infection that has spread throughout the body, triggering a widespread inflammatory response. While bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis, it can also result from other types of infections. The term "septic" describes the body's dysregulated response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death if not treated promptly. This systemic inflammatory response syndrome occurs when pathogens or their toxins enter the bloodstream, causing the immune system to overreact.
Key Points to Consider
- The most recent and highest quality study, 1, recommends empiric broad-spectrum therapy with one or more antimicrobials for patients presenting with sepsis or septic shock to cover all likely pathogens, including bacterial and potentially fungal or viral coverage.
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics for bacterial sepsis, antifungals for fungal sepsis, or antivirals for viral sepsis, along with supportive care including intravenous fluids, oxygen, and sometimes vasopressors to maintain blood pressure.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in septic patients, as failure to initiate appropriate empiric therapy is associated with a substantial increase in morbidity and mortality 1.
- The choice of empiric antimicrobial therapy depends on complex issues related to the patient’s history, clinical status, and local epidemiologic factors, and should be narrowed once pathogen identification and sensitivities are established and/or adequate clinical improvement is noted 1.
From the Research
Definition of Sepsis
- Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection 2
- It is a complication of severe infection characterized by a systemic inflammatory response 3
Causes of Sepsis
- Sepsis can be caused by a broad range of pathogens, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections 4, 2
- Bacterial infections represent the majority of sepsis cases, but up to 42% of sepsis presentations are culture negative, suggesting a non-bacterial cause 2
- Almost any virus can cause sepsis in vulnerable patients, such as neonates, infants, and other immunosuppressed groups 2
Diagnosis and Management
- The initial standard of care for all cases of sepsis is the immediate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, even in cases that are subsequently proven to be culture negative 2
- Early goal-directed therapy, including aggressive fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy, can improve clinical outcomes 5, 3
- Prompt administration of appropriate antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and oxygen is crucial in the management of sepsis 6