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Mechanisms of Organ Dysfunction and Altered Metabolism in Sepsis

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Sepsis

Part of the book series: Respiratory Medicine ((RM))

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Abstract

The term “sepsis” was first described by Hippocrates (c.a. 460–370 BC) in reference to blood putrefaction (septicemia) and fever, and the connection between sepsis and bacteria was made by French chemist Louis Pasteur (1822–1895). No treatment has been shown to prevent the onset or hasten recovery of failed organ systems during sepsis, which often persists long after the infection has been eliminated and ultimately leads to the death of the patient. Mechanisms linking host-pathogen interactions to organ dysfunction remain poorly understood and related insights may provide the key to more effectively treating sepsis-induced organ failures. This chapter will discuss the current theories of sepsis-induced organ failure and potential future therapies that might be derived from new understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Douglas R. Closser MD, Mathew C. Exline MD & Elliott D. Crouser MD

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  1. Douglas R. Closser MD
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  2. Mathew C. Exline MD
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  3. Elliott D. Crouser MD
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Correspondence to Elliott D. Crouser MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Alpert/Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Nicholas S. Ward

  2. Division of Pulmonary Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Alpert/Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Mitchell M. Levy

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Closser, D.R., Exline, M.C., Crouser, E.D. (2017). Mechanisms of Organ Dysfunction and Altered Metabolism in Sepsis. In: Ward, N., Levy, M. (eds) Sepsis. Respiratory Medicine. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48470-9_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48470-9_7

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