[Surviving sepsis campaign guidelines.]

The mortality of severe sepsis is growing due to increased incidense of the syndrome. The speed and appropriateness of therapy administered in the initial hours is likely to influence outcome. Thus, eleven organizations of experts have developed guidelines, evidence based as far as possible, for the bedside management of patients, aimed at improving diagnosis and outcome in sepsis. The guidelines are a part of a campaign named ?surviving sepsis campaign?, see www.survivingsepsis.org The present article is aimed at introducing the guidelines to icelandic doctors.