The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical response arising from a nonspecific insult manifested by two or more of the following:

Fever or hypothermia

Tachycardia

Tachypnea

Leukocytosis, leukopenia, or a left-shift (increase in immature neutrophilic leukocytes in the blood)

Recent evidence indicates that hemostatic changes play a significant role in many SIRS-linked disorders.

Bone RC, Balk RA, Cerra FB, et al. Definitions for sepsis and organ failure and guidelines for the use of innovative therapies in sepsis. Chest. 1992;101:1644-55.

Opal SM, Thijs L, Cavaillon JM, et al. Relationships between coagulation and inflammatory processes. Crit Care Med. 2000; 28:S81-2.