[What is confirmed in the treatment of sepsis? : An update]

Sepsis is defined as "being evoked as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an inadequate host response to infection". The most recent German S3 guidelines were published in 2018 and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) last published the current recommendations for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock in 2021.

This article explores and discusses which evidence in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock has been confirmed.

Discussion of the 2018 German S3 guidelines, supplementation of the content of the 2021 international guidelines and recent research results since 2021.

The primary objective for managing sepsis and septic shock still includes rapid identification, early initiation of anti-infective treatment, and focus cleansing when feasible. In addition, the focus is on hemodynamic stabilization, including the early use of vasopressors for prevention of hypervolemia and, if necessary, the use of organ support procedures. Supportive treatment, such as the administration of corticosteroids and the use of apheresis, can be advantageous in specific scenarios. The focus is increasingly shifting towards post-intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up care, improving the quality of life after surviving sepsis and the close involvement of relatives of the patient.

Despite the fact that considerable progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of sepsis, the early administration of anti-infective agents, focus control, nuanced volume therapy and the use of catecholamines continue to be fundamental to sepsis management. New recommendations emphasize the early use of vasopressors (primarily norepinephrine) and the administration of corticosteroids, especially in cases of septic shock and pneumonia.