Sepsis
An Introduction to Sepsis
Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction, caused by a dysregulated host immune response to infection. Sepsis-related deaths represent around 20% of all global deaths. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving clinical outcomes. Machine-learning algorithms are being used to aid clinical decisions. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive therapy, such as immunomodulators, vasopressors and fluid resuscitation. There have been few therapeutic developments in the last 20 years; however, nanoparticles have potential in both the detection and treatment of sepsis-related infections. Another focus of research is blood cell biomarkers; changes in CD52 and S100A9 are strong predictors of outcomes. The field of sepsis is highly diverse and it is a rapidly growing area of research and development.
