title: [History and definition of sepsis--do we need new terminology?].
abstract: The history of sepsis demonstrates that despite current knowledge about its pathogenesis the definition of sepsis is more contested than ever. However, a definite terminology is necessary to define the entrance criteria for future clinical studies concerning patients with sepsis or septic shock. For this purpose, in 1991 a consensus conference was held in the US, but its recommendations have not found unequivocal acceptance. These recommendations and their historical background are presented and their consequences discussed.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik, Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kreymann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolf
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D018805:Sepsis / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history; D009626:Terminology as Topic