Document Detail


New concepts in treatment of sepsis.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15449442     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Critically ill patients still commonly die of the effects of sepsis, despite numerous interventions. Earlier trials investigated mostly anti-inflammatory strategies, based on the prevailing theory that sepsis represents an uncontrolled inflammatory response. We now know that sepsis represents a biphasic response to infection, and the initial pro-inflammatory response that we have targeted thus far is invariably followed by a prolonged period of immune suppression. Indeed, a patient may oscillate between a pro- and anti-inflammatory state repeatedly. The use of steroids remains controversial, and should probably be reserved for a select subset of patients. The coagulation cascade has a powerful effect on inflammation, and manipulation by means of Activated Protein C has been beneficial. It appears tremendously advantageous to resuscitate the critically ill patient early and aggressively to maintain normal oxidative metabolism. This, coupled with the rigorous maintenance of a physiologically neutral milieu (particularly blood glucose levels) seems to be the most powerful weapon we have to manage the critically ill patient with sepsis.
Authors:
P le Roux
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  SADJ : journal of the South African Dental Association = tydskrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Tandheelkundige Vereniging     Volume:  59     ISSN:  1029-4864     ISO Abbreviation:  SADJ     Publication Date:  2004 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2004-09-28     Completed Date:  2004-10-21     Revised Date:  2004-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9812497     Medline TA:  SADJ     Country:  South Africa    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  208-9     Citation Subset:  D    
Affiliation:
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Stellenbosch. pleroux@intekom.co.za
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
Blood Coagulation / drug effects
Blood Glucose / analysis
Cause of Death
Critical Care
Critical Illness*
Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
Humans
Immunocompromised Host / immunology
Oxidation-Reduction
Protein C / therapeutic use
Sepsis / immunology,  therapy*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Anti-Inflammatory Agents; 0/Anticoagulants; 0/Blood Glucose; 0/Glucocorticoids; 0/Protein C

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