Intestinal barrier failure and the development of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome

At the present time, terms used to describe the clinical entity of sepsis are used inappropriately and interchangeably. The source and foci of infection are often unidentified, yet it is clear that some form of inflammatory episode is occurring. The following paper seeks to clarify the terminology used to describe 'sepsis' and link this with a non-bacteraemic source of this inflammatory response--the small intestine. The importance of accurately reflecting oxygen extraction and oxygen consumption by cells is addressed and a movement from the current emphasis on haemodynamic measurement to variables which reflect metabolic rate and lactic acidosis is discussed. Issues which are the concern of nurses working in intensive care are examined, in terms of primary prevention and secondary management.