[Epidemiology of severe sepsis]

Internationally recognized definitions of septic syndromes are available and make it possible to conduct more homogenous clinical trials. Nearly 15% of patients in intensive care have severe sepsis, and two thirds of them septic shock. In France, it is estimated that approximately 75,000 patients with severe sepsis are admitted to intensive care units, and the frequency of sepsis is increasing. Hospital mortality is 20% for simple sepsis and 40% and higher for cases of severe sepsis or septic shock; it has nonetheless been improving over the past decade. Prognosis depends on the severity of organ dysfunctions, in particular, of cardiovascular failure. Early identification of sepsis and of patients at risk of developing septic shock, together with rapid intervention aiming especially to correct hemodynamic disorders, is likely to improve prognosis.