Sepsis Pathophysiology

Question 1

Define sepsis

Answer 1

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response that is caused in response to an infection

Question 2

What types of shock is sepsis made up of?

Answer 2

Distributive, hypovolaemic and cardiogenic

Question 3

Briefly describe the events in sepsis (bullet pointed as a memory aid)

Answer 3

Definition
Types of shock
Progressive dysfunction
Inflammatory cascade (innate response to vasodilate increasing immune cells and permeable)
Cellular defence and pro-inflammatory (NO) release
SVR drop and BP drop
Pro-inflammatory anti-inflammatory imbalance
Capillary permeability (hypovolaemia)
ARDS due to fluid maldistribution in lungs leading to alveoli damage- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Low oxygen carrying capacity and poor perfusion
V/Q mismatch

Question 4

Describe the septic inflammatory cascade