[Sepsis 2026: diagnosis and treatment]

Sepsis and septic shock require a standardized, time-critical approach: screening of acutely ill high-risk patients, prompt assessment of infection and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction, rapid initiation of appropriate intravenous antimicrobials, and early hemodynamic stabilization. Key elements include obtaining blood cultures before antimicrobials, balanced crystalloids as first-line fluids, norepinephrine as the main vasopressor, and-if vasopressor requirements persist-adjunctive strategies such as vasopressin or hydrocortisone ± fludrocortisone depending on the clinical scenario. Prevention (infection prevention, antibiotic stewardship (ABS)/antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs) and structured follow-up aim to reduce long-term sequelae after sepsis.