State of oxygen and nutrient deprivation of the body's cells induced by infection. This state of hypoperfusion often persists despite treatment, leading to organ failure and cell death.
The most common cause is bacterial infection. Factors favouring it: diabetes, pre-existing diseases, catheter or tube carrying, immunosuppression, prolonged use of antibiotics and recent surgery.
It manifests as multiple organ failure with low blood pressure, fever, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, altered mental status and impaired circulation.
Diagnosis is based on the patient's clinical history review, a physical examination, laboratory tests, blood culture and imaging tests.
Treatment is urgent and should be carried out in a hospital. It includes supportive measures, antibiotics and specific measures for the resolution of the focus of infection.
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