Septic shock

Abstract

Septic shock remains an important cause of death and serious morbidity in medical, surgical and obstetric illness. Many patients with septic shock succumb despite aggressive therapy. Any microorganism can initiate septic shock; the pathophysiology of the disease is not clear; the clinical manifestation is not specific; and there is no reliable laboratory result to diagnose septic shock before it is late. Moreover, despite increasingly complex modes of mechanical ventilation, sophisticated respiratory and hemodynamic monitoring, and a continually expanding array of potent antibiotics, the overall mortality from septic shock remained constant. Better outcome is more likely when recognition is early and treatment is much more aggressive. Therefore, where there is suspicion of septic shock: commence fluid resuscitation, administer oxygen, take blood, urine, and other fluids for culture, commence intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, pass a urethral catheter, determine the cause of sepsis and remove if possible, consult for expert medical advice and possible patient transfer to intensive care units, and provide supportive care to involved organ systems.