Updates and controversies in the early management of sepsis and septic shock

Abstract

Sepsis is a common life-threatening condition that requires early recognition and prompt management. Diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and septic shock are fundamental for emergency clinicians. Optimal sepsis management includes prompt identification of early signs of sepsis and septic shock, hemodynamic optimization, knowledge of clinical and laboratory indicators of subtle and overt organ dysfunction, and prompt infection source identification and control. This structured review summarizes and evaluates the most recent literature on the management of sepsis, focusing on the current evidence, guidelines, and protocols.