Estimating the exact incidence of sepsis throughout the world is difficult. Studies vary in their methods of determining the incidence of sepsis. [11] [#IntroductionFrequencyUnitedStates]Current estimates suggest that the incidence of sepsis is greater than 500,000 cases per year. Reported prevalence rates for SIRS of sepsis range from 20% to 60%. A French study found that severe sepsis was present in 6.3% of all admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU). [12] These figures may be usefully compared with those reported by Martin et al [13] and by Blanco et al. [14] Approximately 40% of patients with sepsis may develop septic shock. Patients who are at risk include those with positive blood cultures.
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Stages of sepsis based on American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine Consensus Panel guidelines.
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Pathogenesis of sepsis and multiorgan failure.
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Venn diagram showing overlap of infection, bacteremia, sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and multiorgan dysfunction.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) present in this chest x-ray (CXR) film is a common organ system affected in multiorgan failure of sepsis.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) shown in this chest x-ray (CXR) film is a common complication of septic shock. Note bilateral airspace infiltration, absence of cardiomegaly, vascular redistribution, and Kerley B lines.
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Organizing phase of diffuse alveolar damage (ARDS) secondary to septic shock shows diffuse alveolar injury and infiltration with inflammatory cells.
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Organizing diffuse alveolar damage in a different location showing disorganization of pulmonary architecture.
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A high-power view of organizing diffuse alveolar damage (ARDS) shows hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes and hyaline membrane deposits.