Sepsis

Question 1

what is sepsis

Answer 1

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection injures its own tissues and organs.
Sepsis is caused by an immune response triggered by an infection. The infection is most commonly bacterial
SIRS with the presence of infection

Question 2

what is thought to be a central component of sepsis

Answer 2

SIRS
the systemic inflammatory response syndrome
It involves cytokine cascades, free radical production and the release of vasoactive mediators

Question 3

what is SIRS defined as

Answer 3

2 or more of the following features
temp >38 or 90bpm
resp rate >20
WBC >12x10^9/L or

Question 4

severe sepsis

Answer 4

sepsis with evidence of organ hypoperfusion eg hypoxaemia, oliguria, lactic acidosis, or altered cerebral function

Question 5

septic shock

Answer 5

severe sepsis with hypotension (systolic BP