Infection, sepsis, and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome

Sepsis is the main cause of multiple organ failure and remains a concern because of the associated high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, important advances have been made in the understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis. Sepsis and septic shock are the end result of complex interactions between infecting organisms and various elements of the host response. A key feature of the common sequence of organ failure is dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, including microcirculatory elements. Outcome improvement in sepsis is based on recognizing the process early and instituting effective therapies. The time window for intervention is relatively short, and treatment must promptly control the source of infection, restore haemodynamic homoeostasis, and support failing organ systems.