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[Septic shock: surgical and medical problems in the elderly]
L De Santis1, A Bruttocao, C Militello
1Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Gastroenterologiche Sezione di Clinica Chirurgica Geriatrica Azienda Ospedaliera, Università di Padova.
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia
|December 18, 2003
Summary
Sepsis, a dangerous bacterial invasion, causes numerous symptoms and complications. Early detection through clinical signs and biochemical markers is crucial for managing this life-threatening condition, especially in elderly surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Pathophysiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Context:
- Sepsis is a significant cause of mortality in the United States, with 100,000 deaths annually.
- Elderly patients undergoing major or emergency surgery face elevated sepsis risk due to incomplete preoperative assessments.
- Recognizing sepsis early is vital, as its manifestations can rapidly escalate.
Purpose:
- To outline the clinical manifestations and biochemical alterations associated with sepsis.
- To review common diagnostic imaging modalities for sepsis evaluation.
- To highlight emerging prognostic factors in septic shock management.
Summary:
- Sepsis presents with diverse symptoms like fever, agitation, and abdominal distress, alongside biochemical changes such as leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers (VES, PCR).
- Radiological examinations including X-rays, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI aid in diagnosing sepsis-related complications.
- Biomarkers like pro-calcitonin, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and nitric oxide are increasingly evaluated for prognostic value in septic shock.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of sepsis signs and symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
- Knowledge of diagnostic tools assists clinicians in timely and accurate sepsis assessment.
- Evaluating novel prognostic factors may enhance patient management strategies and outcomes in septic shock.