[Management and orientation of severely infected patients : relevance of a « Sepsis Fast-Track »]

Sepsis is a syndrome defined by a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to an infection. The early recognition of this syndrome in the emergency department (ED) can lead to a better prognosis, when associated with a standardized management focusing on identification of the infectious source, its treatment, and appropriate organ support. Therefore, the implementation of a « Sepsis Fast Track », by analogy with similar protocols regarding stroke or ST-elevated myocardial infarct, deserves interest. The aim of this article is to review the available evidences that support an implementation of such an initiative, and to identify the key elements that permit its integration in the ED setting of a secondary-care hospital.