Septic shock

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Bacteremic shock; Endotoxic shock; Septicemic shock; Warm shock

Septic shock is a medical emergency. Patients are usually admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital.

The goal of treatment is to:

• Provide oxygen, and relieve respiratory distress (if present)
• Give fluids by I.V. to restore blood volume
• Give vasoactive drugs to treat low blood pressure
• Treat underlying infections with antibiotics and surgery, if needed
• Support any poorly functioning organs
• Reverse abnormal blood clotting with drugs

There are new drugs that act against the hyperinflammatory response seen in septic shock. These may help limit the damage to vital organs.

Hemodynamic monitoring -- the evaluation of the pressures in the heart and lungs -- may be required. This can only be done with specialized equipment and intensive care nursing.

Septic shock has a high death rate. The death rate depends on the cause of the infection and how many organs have failed.

Respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or any other organ failure can occur.

Go to the emergency room if symptoms of septic shock are present. You may need to call an ambulance if you have no means of transportation, or if you feel like you are unable to drive.

Review Date: 02/27/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.