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| '''Sepsis''' is a life-threatening condition caused by the ] of an organism to severe ]. (In contrast, ''']''' denotes the presence of ] in the bloodstream.) Sepsis is characterized by overwhelming systemic ] and is often associated with ] disorders and dysfunction of the circulatory system. Even under optimal treatment, organ dysfunction may progress to multiple organ failure and eventually death. | '''Sepsis''' is a life-threatening condition caused by the ] of an organism to severe ]. (In contrast, ''']''' denotes the presence of ] in the bloodstream.) Sepsis is characterized by overwhelming systemic ] and is often associated with ] disorders and dysfunction of the circulatory system. Even under optimal treatment, organ dysfunction may progress to multiple organ failure and eventually death. | ||
| Sepsis is particulary common and dangerous in elderly, immunocompromised, and critically ill patients, where it is a major cause of death in intensive care units worldwide. In the ], sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-] ] patients, while recent 1998 data from the ] show that it is the 11th leading cause of death overall. |
Sepsis is particulary common and dangerous in elderly, immunocompromised, and critically ill patients, where it is a major cause of death in intensive care units worldwide. In the ], sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-] ] patients, while recent 1998 data from the ] show that it is the 11th leading cause of death overall. Mortality rates ranging from 28 to 50% have been reported for sepsis. | ||
Revision as of 12:28, 18 August 2003
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the immune response of an organism to severe infection. (In contrast, septicemia denotes the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.) Sepsis is characterized by overwhelming systemic inflammation and is often associated with coagulation disorders and dysfunction of the circulatory system. Even under optimal treatment, organ dysfunction may progress to multiple organ failure and eventually death.
Sepsis is particulary common and dangerous in elderly, immunocompromised, and critically ill patients, where it is a major cause of death in intensive care units worldwide. In the United States, sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-coronary ICU patients, while recent 1998 data from the Centers for Disease Control show that it is the 11th leading cause of death overall. Mortality rates ranging from 28 to 50% have been reported for sepsis.