The cellular basis of septic shock

Severe sepsis and septic shock are among the most complex and challenging conditions treated by critical care practitioners. Although the pathophysiology of severe sepsis and septic shock is not fully understood, bacteria and immune responses are known to trigger the release of cytokines. These cytokines initiate a cascade of events that lead to illness behaviors such as fever, anorexia, and sleepiness, as well as a host of physiologic events such as activation of the coagulation cascade, vasodilation, hypotension, and increased vessel permeability. As research advances the understanding of severe sepsis and septic shock, practitioners must become aware of the cellular basis of events so that treatments can be implemented knowledgeably and evaluated.