Trauma sepsis

Abstract

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the trauma patient. Sepsis following traumatic injury is related to the type of injury, together with the extent of injury and the anatomical location. Burn injuries are associated with the highest risk of sepsis. The diagnosis of sepsis in the trauma patient remains difficult. Interpretation of abnormal results is key to successful diagnosis, particularly in conjunction with clinical findings. This review will consider the specific features of sepsis in the context of trauma relating to epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and management.