Sepsisrelated

Sepsis-related refers to conditions, complications, or outcomes associated with sepsis, the life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis-related illness can involve progression to septic shock and various forms of organ failure that require intensive care.

In sepsis-related illness, the immune response becomes dysregulated, leading to widespread inflammation, endothelial injury, microcirculatory impairment, and impaired oxygen delivery. This can progress to septic shock when hypotension persists despite fluid resuscitation and may be accompanied by metabolic abnormalities such as elevated lactate.

Clinical features include fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, altered mental status, oliguria, lactic acidosis, and organ dysfunction affecting the lungs, kidneys, liver, brain, or cardiovascular system. Presentation can be highly variable, and rapid recognition is important for outcomes.

Diagnosis relies on definitions such as Sepsis-3, which requires suspected infection plus organ dysfunction measured by an increase in the SOFA score. Quick bedside assessment tools (qSOFA) may help identify at-risk individuals, but cultures and laboratory tests support confirming infection and assessing severity.

Management emphasizes rapid antibiotic therapy, source control, and timely fluid resuscitation with balanced crystalloids. Vasopressors are used for persistent shock, and organ-supportive care in the ICU is common, with careful monitoring to guide ongoing treatment and escalation as needed.

Prognosis varies with age, comorbidities, and time to treatment. Prevention focuses on infection control, vaccination, hand hygiene, and prompt management of infections to reduce progression to sepsis-related complications.