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Sepsis, systemic inflammatory response, and multiple organ dysfunction: the mystery continues.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22273282     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Human sepsis is thought to be systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that is activated by invasive infection. The multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the identified failure of critical organ function in patients that have sustained SIRS. Because SIRS and MODS are consequences of the excessive activation of inflammation, extensive research and numerous clinical trials have pursued treatments that would modify the inflammatory response. This presentation reviews the normal local mechanisms of inflammation and provides a theoretical framework for the transition of the inflammatory process to a systemic level. Clinical trials with biomodulators to block or inhibit inflammation have generally failed to improve the outcomes in patients with severe sepsis, septic shock, and MODS. The role of counter-inflammatory signaling and the newer concept of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway are being investigated, and newer hypotheses are focusing upon the balancing of proinflammatory and counter-inflammatory mechanisms as important directions for newer therapies. It is concluded that failure to define novel and effective treatments reflects fundamental gaps in our understanding of inflammation and its regulation.
Authors:
Donald E Fry
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The American surgeon     Volume:  78     ISSN:  1555-9823     ISO Abbreviation:  Am Surg     Publication Date:  2012 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-01-25     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0370522     Medline TA:  Am Surg     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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