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Review
. 2016;14(2):231-41.
doi: 10.1586/14787210.2016.1135052. Epub 2016 Jan 14.

Challenges with Diagnosing and Managing Sepsis in Older Adults

Kalin M Clifford  1 , Eliza A Dy-Boarman  2 , Krystal K Haase  3 , Kristen Maxvill  1 , Steven E Pass  1 , Carlos A Alvarez  1   4
Affiliations
Review

Challenges with Diagnosing and Managing Sepsis in Older Adults

Kalin M Clifford et al. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2016.

Abstract

Sepsis in older adults has many challenges that affect rate of septic diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring parameters. Numerous age-related changes and comorbidities contribute to increased risk of infections in older adults, but also atypical symptomatology that delays diagnosis. Due to various pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic changes in the older adult, medications are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated at different rates as compared to younger adults, which increases risk of adverse drug reactions due to use of drug therapy needed for sepsis management. This review provides information to aid in diagnosis and offers recommendations for monitoring and treating sepsis in the older adult population.

Keywords: Sepsis; antibiotic therapy; elderly; immunosenescence; inflammation; vasopressor therapy.

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References

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