Septic shock



Septic shock




LIFE-THREATENING DISORDER



Second only to cardiogenic shock as the leading cause of shock death, septic shock (usually a result of bacterial infection) causes inadequate blood perfusion and circulatory collapse. About 25% of patients who develop gram-negative bacteremia go into shock. Unless vigorous treatment begins promptly, preferably before symptoms fully develop, septic shock rapidly progresses to death (often within a few hours) in up to 80% of these patients.


Causes

In two-thirds of patients, septic shock results from infection with gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Bacteroides; in others, from gram-positive bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Actinomyces. Infections with viruses, rickettsiae, chlamydiae, and protozoa may be complicated by shock.

These organisms produce septicemia in persons whose resistance is already compromised by an existing condition. Bacteria or fungi release toxins, resulting in direct tissue damage that may
lead to low blood pressure and poor organ function. Toxins also produce a vigorous inflammatory response from the body, contributing to septic shock. Infection results from transplantation of bacteria from other areas of the body through surgery, I.V. therapy, and catheters.

Septic shock often occurs in patients hospitalized for primary infection of the genitourinary, biliary, GI, and gynecologic tracts. Other predisposing factors include immunodeficiency, advanced age, trauma, burns, diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis, and disseminated cancer. Recent infection, prolonged antibiotic therapy, and a recent medical or surgical procedure are other risk factors.


Signs and symptoms

Indications of septic shock vary according to the stage of the shock, the organism causing it, and the age of the patient.

Jun 16, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Septic shock

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