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Severe sepsis is sepsis plus signs and symptoms of acute organ dysfunction, hypoperfusion, or hypotension. Hypoperfusion and perfusion abnormalities may include, but are not limited to, lactic acidosis, oliguria, or an acute alteration in mental status.

As shown on the next slide, organ dysfunction may involve any of the following alone or in combination:

  • Cardiovascular system
  • Kidney
  • Respiratory system
  • Liver
  • Hematologic (blood, coagulation)
  • Central nervous system
  • Presence of an otherwise unexplained metabolic acidosis
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    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.