Current management of the septic shock patient: experimental basis for treatment

Experimental research has shown that following the intravenous infusion of animals with bacteria or endotoxin a myriad of adverse vascular events occur resulting in deficient organ perfusion and cell death. The primary goals of therapy for sepsis and septic shock, therefore, should include elimination of the source of infection and/or infectious agents and prevention or reversal of adverse vascular events. The following review describes the evolution of an effective therapy for shock consisting of steroid in combination with antibiotic and discusses its relevance and application for humans in severe sepsis or septic shock.