Recent advances in the pathophysiology and management of sepsis: a review

Abstract

Sepsis is a syndrome consisting of physiological, pathological and biochemical anomalies caused by infectious agents. It causes clinical organ dysfunction, which is identified by an acute increase in the Sequential (sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of two or more points. SOFA score is a score of three components that can be easily used at the bedside to track the clinical status of a patient while on admission, and these are altered respiratory rate of ≥ 22 breaths/minute, altered mental status, and systolic blood pressure of ≤ 100 mmHg. A patient with SOFA score of ≥ 2 has an attributable 2 - 25-fold increased risk of mortality compared to a patient with SOFA score of ˂ 2. This present review provides information on the new definition of sepsis and septic shock, aetiology, pathophysiology, biochemical, pathological and haematological changes, morbidity and mortality parameters, management, andprognostic factors in patients with sepsis. Key words: Sepsis, septic shock, SOFA score, pathophysiology, management bundles