The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3)

Abstract

Sepsis, a syndrome of physiologic, pathologic, and biochemical abnormalities induced by infection, is a major public health concern, accounting for more than $20 billion (5.2%) of total US hospital costs in 2011.¹ The reported incidence of sepsis is increasing,^2,3 likely reflecting aging populations with more comorbidities, greater recognition,⁴ and, in some countries, reimbursement-favorable coding.⁵ Although the true incidence is unknown, conservative estimates indicate that sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and critical illness worldwide.^6,7 Furthermore, there is increasing awareness that patients who survive sepsis often have long-term physical, psychological, and cognitive disabilities with significant health care and social implications.⁸