Septic shock

Alternative Names

Treatment

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

Treatment may include:

• Drugs to treat low blood pressure, infection, or blood clotting
• Fluids by a vein (intravenously)
• Oxygen
• Surgery
• Support for any poorly functioning organs

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Septic shock has a high death rate. The death rate depends on the cause of the infection, how many organs have failed, and how quickly and aggressively medical therapy is started.

Possible Complications

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go directly to an emergency department if you or a loved one have symptoms of septic shock

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.

Dellinger RP, Carlet JM, Masur H, et al. Surviving sepsis: campaign guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock. Crit Care Med. 2004;32:858-873.