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Septic shock

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to low blood pressure and low blood flow. The brain, heart, kidneys, and liver may not work properly or may fail.

See also:

• Meningococcemia
• Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome
• DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
• Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
• ARDS

Alternative Names:

Bacteremic shock; Endotoxic shock; Septicemic shock; Warm shock

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Septic shock occurs most often in the very old and the very young. It also occurs in people who have other illnesses.

Any type of bacteria can cause septic shock. Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause the condition. Toxins released by the bacteria or fungus may cause tissue damage, and may lead to low blood pressure and poor organ function. Many researchers believe that abnormal blood clots in small arteries cause the lack of blood flow and poor organ function.

The toxins also cause a strong inflammatory response from the body, which contributes to septic shock.

Risk factors for septic shock include: 

• Diabetes  
• Diseases that weaken the immune system such as AIDS
• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Diseases of the genitourinary system, biliary system , or intestinal system
• Recent infection
• Long-term use of antibiotics
• Recent surgery or medical procedure.

References:

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1957.

Rakel P, ed. Conn ’s Current Therapy 2005 . 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:71.

• Review Date: 2/27/2006
• 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.

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