Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Septic Shock

Abstract

One of the most frequent and serious problems confronting clinicians is the management of a serious infection and the systemic response to infection, a syndrome termed sepsis. When this syndrome results in hypotension and organ dysfunction, it is called septic shock. Septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units,¹ and it is the 13th most common cause of death in the United States². The incidence of the two disorders continues to rise: 400,000 cases of sepsis and 200,000 episodes of septic shock are estimated to occur annually, resulting in more than 100,000 deaths¹. . . .