Sepsis history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of sepsis are often related to the underlying infectious process. When the infection crosses into sepsis, the resulting symptoms are that of:
- Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS):
- General inflammation
- Fever
- Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
- Raised heart rate (tachycardia) and breathing rate (tachypnea).
A capillary leak syndrome can develop with severe swelling and edema and third spacing of fluids. General symptoms can include flu like symptoms as well as shaking chills or rigors.
The immunological response that causes sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response causing widespread activation of inflammation and coagulation pathways. This may progress to dysfunction of the circulatory system and, even under optimal treatment, may result in the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and eventually death.