title: Sepsis and septic shock.
abstract: Early recognition of sepsis and septic shock in children relies on obtaining an attentive clinical history, accurate vital signs, and a physical examination focused on mental status, work of breathing, and circulatory status. Laboratory tests may support the diagnosis but are not reliable in isolation. The goal of septic shock management is reversal of tissue hypoperfusion. The therapeutic end point is shock reversal. Mortality is significantly better among children when managed appropriately. Every physician who cares for children must strive to have a high level of suspicion and keen clinical acumen for recognizing the rare but potentially seriously ill child.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, 660 Bannock Street, MC 0108, Denver, CO 80204, USA. patrick.maloney@dhha.org
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Maloney
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D053475:Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D053475:Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2
keywords: Children; Early goal-directed therapy; Sepsis; Septic shock; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS); Vasopressors