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Sepsis
Alternate Names : Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)
Definition
Sepsis is a severe illness caused by overwheming infection of the bloodstream by toxin-producing bacteria.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Sepsis occurs in 2 of every 100 hospital admissions. It is caused by bacterial infection that can originate anywhere in the body. Common sites include the following:
Meningitis may also be accompanied by sepsis. In children, sepsis may accompany infection of the bone (osteomyelitis). In hospitalized patients, common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores.
The infection is often confirmed by a positive blood culture, though blood cultures may be negative in individuals who have been receiving antibiotics. In sepsis, blood pressure drops, resulting in shock. Major organs and systems, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system, stop functioning normally.
A change in mental status and hyperventilation may be the earliest signs of impending sepsis.
Sepsis is often life-threatening, especially in people with a weakened immune system or other medical illnesses.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Sepsis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Sepsis Symptoms & Signs
• Sepsis Prevention
• Sepsis Diagnosis & Tests
• Sepsis Treatment
• Sepsis Prognosis
• Sepsis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Acidosis
• Cellulitis
• Delirium
• DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)
• Meningitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Peritonitis
• Pneumonia
• Septic Shock
• Urinary Tract Infection
Tests & Exams
• Blood Culture
• Blood Differential
• Fibrin Degradation Products
• WBC Count
Other Topics
• Confusion
• Fever
• Intravenous
• Pulse - Bounding
• Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
• Rashes
• Shock
• Urine Output - Decreased
Review Date : 8/7/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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