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Intensive Care Medicine

Published in:

01-06-2007 | Review

Sepsis-associated delirium

Authors: Marion Ebersoldt, Tarek Sharshar, Djillali Annane

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 6/2007

Abstract

Objective

Sepsis-associated delirium is a common and poorly understood neurological complication of sepsis. This review provides an update of the diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies and the current knowledge about the mechanisms involved in sepsis associated brain dysfunction.

Data sources

Articles published between 1981 and 2006 were identified through a Medline search for “encephalopathy” and “sepsis” and by hand searching of articles cited in the identified publications. The immune response to sepsis results in multiorgan failure including brain dysfunction.

Discussion

The potential mechanisms for sepsis-associated delirium include vascular damage, endothelial activation, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, metabolic disorders, brain inflammation and apoptosis. On the other hand, there is evidence for distinct neuroprotective factors, such as anti-inflammatory mediators and glial cell activity.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of sepsis-associated delirium relies mainly on clinical and electrophysiological criteria, and its treatment is entirely based on general management of sepsis.

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Title: Sepsis-associated delirium
Authors: Marion Ebersoldt
Tarek Sharshar
Djillali Annane
Publication date: 01-06-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 6/2007
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-007-0622-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Sepsis-associated delirium

Abstract

Objective

Data sources

Discussion

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Data sources

Discussion

Conclusions

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