Improving outcomes for severe sepsis and septic shock: tools for early identification of at-risk patients and treatment protocol implementation.
Sepsis is a significant problem, and septicemia is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Sepsis incidence is increasing, and the mortality rate is 20% to 50% for patients with severe sepsis. This article identifies methods for improving outcomes of severe sepsis and septic shock. Included are recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. Case studies are included.
Rivers
Emanuel P
EP
Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
Ahrens
Tom
T
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States