title: Sepsis in Special Populations.
abstract: Sepsis is recognized by the presence of physiologic and laboratory changes that reflect the inflammatory response to infection on cellular and systemic levels. Comorbid conditions, such as cirrhosis, end-stage renal disease, and obesity, alter patients' susceptibility to infection and their response to it once present. Baseline changes in vital signs and chronic medications often mask clues to the severity of illness. The physiologic, hematologic, and biochemical adjustments that accompany pregnancy and the puerperium introduce similar challenges. Emergency providers must remain vigilant for subtle alterations in the expected baseline for these conditions to arrive at appropriate management decisions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, One Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA. Electronic address: mpborloz@carilionclinic.org.
authors.forename: Matthew P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Borloz
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, One Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
authors.forename: Khalief E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Hamden
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Cirrhosis; End-stage renal disease; Obesity; Pregnancy; Sepsis