Understanding Sepsis: Etiology, Response and Treatment

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Sepsis: A Systemic Response
Many great historical figures of the scientific community have written on the subject of the same perplexing disease over the centuries (Angus, van der Poll, Finfer, Vincent 2013). Sepsis has been given many names, origins, and etiologies. In the 4th century, Hippocrates declared the disease the cause of organic decomposition, wound festering, and swamp gas (Angus et al. 2013). During the 19th century, Louis Pasteur theorized the disease was the outcome of a pathogenic microorganism in the bloodstream, which resulted in a body-wide infection (Angus et al. 2013). In the 21st century, the medical community made a breakthrough with the discovery of the disease’s link to the inflammatory response system and devised a plan of action to combat the high mortality rates among those infected (Angus et al. 2013). According to Hotchkiss, Monneret, & Payen (2013) the effects of sepsis are well documented, while the molecular processes it utilizes are still being explored; however, new studies are helping to expand our understanding of the centuries old disease.
Etiology
Capriotti & Frizzell (2016) explain that sepsis is often seen in those who have a weak immune system. These individuals are at an increased risk of developing sepsis from microorganisms that a healthy immune system would normally fight off (Capriotti et al. 2016). The elderly, infants, and immunosuppressed patients are the most at risk for developing the condition (Capriotti et al. 2016). Sepsis can be caused by any microbe, but is most often caused by bacteria (Capriotti et al. 2016). Since sepsis has such a broad reach and can develop as a secondary infection after an initial injury or illness, Capriotti & Frizzell (2016) further explain the di...

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...rage 30 years ago of 80% to today’s average of 20-30%.
Conclusion
Research by Hotchkiss, Monneret, & Payen’s (2013) has revealed that sepsis is an immunosuppressive disorder, therefore patients can benefit from immunostimulatory therapies used to treat those who have lowered immune systems. Accordingly, focusing on boosting the immune system has been shown to decrease mortality in patients (Hotchkiss et al. 2013). Hotchkiss et al. (2013) announces that while these statistics are encouraging, the mortality rate is still considered high and further research and techniques are needed in order to continue the downward trend. Hotchkiss et al. (2013) states that it is unclear why some patients survive sepsis and others do not recover. Until the true cause of death in sepsis is understood, the best course of action is prevention, early detection, and immune system support.

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