Sepsis (Systemic inflammatory response syndrome, SIRS)

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What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a severe illness caused by overwheming infection of the bloodstream by toxin-producing bacteria.

This condition can develop either as a result of your body's own defense system or from toxic substances made by the infecting agent (such as a bacteria, virus, or fungus).

Who gets Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs in approximatley 2 of every 100 hospital admissions. It is caused by bacterial infection that can originate anywhere in the body.

Predisposing Factors

Those at risk:

Very young people and elderly people

Anyone who has had a transplant

People who are being treated with chemotherapy drugs or radiation

People with long-standing diabetes, AIDS, or cirrhosis

Someone who has very large burns or severe injuries

People with an infection:

Pneumonia
Meningitis
Cellulitis
Urinary tract infection
Ruptured appendix

Progression

The death rate can be as high as 60% for people with underlying medical problems. Mortality is less (but still significant) in individuals without other medical problems.

Complications:

Septic shock

Impaired blood flow to vital organs (brain, heart, kidneys)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

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