Sepsis

Sepsis, historically known as a blood infection, is a life-threatening syndrome that is characterized by the body's systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) to infection. MRSA-related sepsis, candidal sepsis, and pneumococcal sepsis are some of the most common types. Sepsis in its most severe form, septic shock, can carry mortality rates well above 50%, even with optimal sepsis treatment. Evidence-based guidelines incorporate infection source control of sepsis with empiric antibiotics, restoration of tissue perfusion, intensive blood glucose control, and use of glucocorticoids and activated drotrecogin alfa.