title: Septic shock. What to do until a breakthrough comes along.
abstract: Septic shock is a multisystem disorder that represents the host's response to microbial invasion in its most fulminant form. One of the critical defects is a widespread inability to use available substrate for energy production. Endogenous mediators, particularly the cytokines, appear to play an essential role in this defect and in the entire host-mediated cascade. Traditional therapy remains primarily supportive. However, newer, investigational forms of therapy show promise by more directly treating the underlying disturbances.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, Letterman Army Medical Center, Presidio San Francisco, CA 94129-6700.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: DePriest
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents