Septic Shock
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionSepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to a severe infection. The inflammatory response triggers a rapid series of events, such as leaking blood vessels and impaired blood flow. Severe sepsis is associated with a drop in blood pressure. Low blood pressure reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients going to the body's organs. This drop causes damage to the body's major organs. Septic shock occurs when adequate blood pressure cannot be restored despite treatment with IV fluids. Septic shock may lead to multiple organ failure and death. CausesSeptic shock is caused by an infection that overwhelms the body. Sepsis can be triggered by many different kinds of infections including:
Risk FactorsSeptic shock is more common in infants and in people over 50 years old. Other factors that may increase your chances of septic shock include:
SymptomsSeptic shock may cause:
Complications from septic shock may cause symptoms of:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:
TreatmentSepsis and septic shock require immediate care. Treatment includes the following: Supportive Measures for ShockIf you have septic shock, you will be admitted to the intensive care unit. There you will be given:
If your lungs fail, you may be put on a mechanical ventilator to help you breathe. Other therapies or supportive measures may be used. MedicationsYou will be given high doses of one or more antibiotics or antifungal medications. The medications may be changed once the specific cause of the infection is identified. SurgerySurgery may be performed to remove any dead tissue or drain infections. PreventionMost cases of septic shock cannot be prevented. Promptly treating bacterial and other infections may help. RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov Society of Critical Care Medicine http://www.sccm.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:CAEP—Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians http://www.caep.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Rhodes A, Evans LE, Alhazzani W, et al. Surviving sepsis campaign: international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2016. Intensive Care Med. 2017;43(3):304-377. Sepsis and septic shock. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated April 2016. Accessed December 15, 2017. Sepsis. National Institute of General Medical Sciences website. Available at: https://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Pages/factsheet_sepsis.aspx. Updated December 11, 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017.
Sepsis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115805/Sepsis-in-adults
. Updated July 28, 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017.
Sepsis treatment in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated November 17, 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017.
Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcie L. Sidman, MD Last Updated: 1/9/2017 |
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