Publication

Abstract : Sepsis or sepsis syndrome is a life-threatening medical condition characterized by an infection and the body’s overwhelming inflammatory response to that infection. Sepsis remains the primary cause of death from infection despite advances in modern medicine, including vaccines, antimicrobials, and critical care. It may lead to shock, multiple organ dysfunction, and death, especially if not recognized early and treated promptly. Sepsis is a major clinical issue in Emergency Departments (EDs), as it is commonly seen first in the ED and is associated with a high mortality rate. Between one third and one half of patients with sepsis die. In the developing world, sepsis accounts for 60-80% of lost lives per year in childhood, killing more than 6 million neonates and children yearly and is responsible for more than 100,000 cases of maternal sepsis. Every hour, about 50 people die from sepsis. This article briefly outlines the clinical features, early diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of sepsis in Emergency and critical care settings.