Sepsis - Overview
Alternative Names
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
Definition of Sepsis:
Sepsis is a severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection that can begin anywhere in the body. Common places where an infection might start include:
In children, sepsis may accompany infection of the bone (osteomyelitis). In hospitalized patients, common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and sites of skin breakdown known as bedsores (decubitus ulcers).
- Reviewed last on: 9/15/2010
- David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Russell JA. Shock syndromes related to sepsis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 109.
