The pathophysiology of septic shock

• Published in: Critical care clinics Vol. 25; no. 4; p. 677
• Main Authors: Nduka, O Okorie, Parrillo, Joseph E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2009
• Subjects: Gene Expression - physiology; Genomic Islands - physiology; HMGB Proteins - physiology; Humans; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors - physiology; Quorum Sensing - physiology; Receptors, Pattern Recognition - physiology; rho GTP-Binding Proteins - physiology; Shock, Septic - immunology; Shock, Septic - microbiology; Shock, Septic - physiopathology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Toll-Like Receptors - physiology; Virulence Factors - immunology; Virulence Factors - metabolism
• ISSN: 1557-8232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2009.08.002

There is a profound cellular dysfunction in sepsis, that clinically manifests as a continuum from simple, uncomplicated sepsis to severe sepsis, and finally to septic shock. Septic shock remains a significant challenge for clinicians. Recent advances in cellular and molecular biology have significantly improved our understanding of its pathogenetic mechanisms. These improvements will translate to better care and improved outcomes for these patients.