Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
07:30

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression

Published on: June 15, 2019

10.0K

Exploring post-SEPSIS and post-COVID-19 syndromes: crossovers from pathophysiology to therapeutic approach

Darcy Holmes1, Marta Colaneri2, Emanuele Palomba2

  • 1Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.

Frontiers in Medicine
|January 22, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Sepsis survivors, including those with COVID-19, may develop post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) or PASC, causing multi-organ dysfunction. Targeting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) offers a potential therapeutic avenue for these complex conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Sepsis, including COVID-19, can result in post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).
  • These conditions share similarities, presenting with persistent multi-organ dysfunction (respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, neurological) and dysregulated immune responses (immunosuppression, hyperinflammation).
  • Lack of clear definitions and diagnostic criteria impedes effective treatment strategies, highlighting the need for a unified therapeutic approach.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the shared clinical and pathophysiological similarities between PSS and PASC.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets, focusing on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
  • To emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach and further research for effective treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on sepsis, PSS, PASC, and the renin-angiotensin system.
  • Analysis of shared immunological mechanisms and pathophysiological pathways.
  • Identification of potential interventions targeting the RAS, such as ACE inhibitors, ACE receptor blockers, and recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2).

Main Results:

  • PSS and PASC exhibit significant clinical and pathophysiological overlap, characterized by multi-organ dysfunction and immune dysregulation.
  • The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in immune modulation and its imbalance can worsen these conditions.
  • ACE inhibitors, ACE receptor blockers, and rhACE2 are identified as potential RAS-targeting interventions.

Conclusions:

  • A unified therapeutic strategy is needed for PSS and PASC, addressing shared immunological mechanisms and RAS involvement.
  • Further research, standardization of definitions, increased funding, and clinical trials are essential for advancing treatment.
  • Targeting the RAS presents a promising avenue for managing the complex sequelae of sepsis and COVID-19.

Keywords:
angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)immune dysfunctionpost-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)post-sepsis syndrome (PSS)renin-angiotensin system (RAS)

More Related Videos

A Data-Driven Approach to Quantifying Immune States in Sepsis07:42

A Data-Driven Approach to Quantifying Immune States in Sepsis

Published on: February 7, 2025

174
Cecal Ligation Puncture Procedure11:53

Cecal Ligation Puncture Procedure

Published on: May 7, 2011

54.9K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
278
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
275
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
2.8K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
227
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
1.6K
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
125