Sepsis is a medical condition in which the immune system goes into overdrive, releasing chemicals into the blood to combat infection (microbes in the blood, urine, lungs, skin, or other tissues) that trigger widespread inflammation (cellular injury in body tissues). If the body is not able to regulate this immune response, it then overwhelms normal blood processes. The first mention of the word sepsis in a medical context was more than 2700 years ago in the poems of Homer. The word derives from the Greek word sepein, meaning "to rot." Sepsis occurs in 1% to 2% of all hospitalizations in the United States, affecting at least 750 000 persons and costing $17 billion per year to treat. A term sometimes used for sepsis is "blood poisoning," but there is no poison involved in sepsis. The October 27, 2010, issue of JAMA includes an article about cognitive impairment and disability among survivors of severe sepsis. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the February 24, 2010, issue of JAMA.
The American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of Critical Care Medicine have established 4 different levels of sepsis. The levels and symptoms are as follows:
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS ): hypothermia (temperature lower than 36C/97F) or fever (higher than 38C/100F); tachycardia (heart rate more than 100 beats per minute); tachypnea (more than 20 breaths per minute) or hypocapnia (arterial CO2 less than 32 mm Hg); and leukopenia or leukocytosis (white blood cell count that is either too low or too high). There is no confirmed infectious process in SIRS.
Sepsis: SIRS in response to a confirmed infectious process
Severe sepsis : sepsis plus organ dysfunction, hypotension (low blood pressure), or hypoperfusion (insufficient blood flow) to 1 or more organs
Septic shock: sepsis with persisting arterial hypotension or hypoperfusion despite adequate fluid resuscitation
The diagnosis of sepsis is usually confirmed with cultures of body fluids.
Sepsis is more common and more dangerous in elderly persons, individuals with a compromised immune system, and persons who are already critically ill. Patients with sepsis require prompt medical attention and are usually treated in the intensive care unit with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Due to complications of sepsis, patients may need specific medications to maintain blood pressure, and artificial ventilation or dialysis may be needed to support function of the lungs or kidneys. Central venous catheters (tubes) and arterial catheters may be needed to help guide therapy. Patients with sepsis require preventive measures for deep vein thrombosis, stress ulcers, and pressure ulcers. Death rates are high, with 20% for sepsis, 40% for severe sepsis, and more than 60% for septic shock. Those who recover may have some permanent organ damage.
Grahic Jump Location
National Institutes of Healthhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sepsis.htmlhttp://www.nigms.nih.gov/publications/factsheet_sepsis.htm
Society of Critical Care Medicine http://www.myicucare.org/support_brochures/pages/sepsis.aspx
Surviving Sepsis Campaignhttp://www.survivingsepsis.org
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish.
Sources: National Institutes of Health, American College of Chest Physicians, Society of Critical Care Medicine
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 312/464-0776.
TOPIC: CRITICAL ILLNESS
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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