B Poulton

Abstract

Sepsis is a common problem in hospital practice. As well as being an important precipitant of hospital admission many patients develop the problem after arrival in hospital, including in excess of 500,000 patients in critical care units across each year. Over one-half of all infections in critical care units are associated with severe sepsis or septic shock.1 Despite major research effort in this area and the introduction of new therapeutic agents, mortality from septic shock remains high (50-70%). With the ageing population, emerging antibiotic resistance, and increasing use of immunosuppressive healthcare, sepsis is set to become an even greater drain on healthcare resources. The early recognition and appropriate management of sepsis is important. There is increasing evidence that an immediate, proactive approach has prognostic significance.