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Alternative names
Bacteremic shock; Endotoxic shock; Septicemic shock; Warm shockDefinition Return to top
Septic shock is a serious, abnormal condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to low blood pressure and low blood flow. Vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver may not function properly or may fail. Decreased urine output from kidney failure may be one symptom.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Septic shock occurs most often in the very old and the very young. It also occurs in people with underlying illnesses. Any bacterial organism can cause septic shock. Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause this condition. Toxins released by the bacteria or fungus may cause direct tissue damage, and may lead to low blood pressure and poor organ function. These toxins also produce a vigorous inflammatory response from the body which contributes to septic shock.
Risk factors include: underlying illnesses, such as diabetes; hematologic cancers (lymphoma or leukemia) and other malignancies; and diseases of the genitourinary system, biliary system, or intestinal system. Other risk factors are recent infection, prolonged antibiotic therapy, and having had a recent surgical or medical procedure. See also:
Symptoms Return to top
Some physical findings may be easily detected:
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Septic shock is a medical emergency, and patients are usually admitted to intensive care.
The objective of treatment is to:
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. There are new drugs that act against the hyperinflammatory response seen in septic shock. These may help limit the damage to vital organs.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Septic shock has a high death rate, exceeding 50%, depending on the type of organism causing the infection and the degree of organ failure.
Complications Return to top
Respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or any other organ failure can occur.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
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.
Prevention Return to top
Prompt treatment of infections caused by bacteria is helpful. However, many cases cannot be prevented.
Update Date: 1/27/2004 Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |