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Septic shock

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Bacteremic shock; Endotoxic shock; Septicemic shock; Warm shock

Definition    Return to top

Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to life-threatening low blood pressure.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

Septic shock occurs most often in the very old and the very young. It also occurs in people who have other illnesses.

Any type of bacteria can cause septic shock. Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause the condition. Toxins released by the bacteria or fungi may cause tissue damage, and may lead to low blood pressure and poor organ function. Some researchers think that blood clots in small arteries cause the lack of blood flow and poor organ function.

The body also produces a strong inflammatory response to the toxins. This inflammation may contribute to organ damage.

Risk factors for septic shock include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Septic shock can affect any part of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and intestines. Symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Blood tests may be done to check for infection, low blood oxygen level, disturbances in the body's acid-base balance, or poor organ function or organ failure.

A chest x-ray may show pneumonia or pulmonary edema.

Treatment    Return to top

Septic shock is a medical emergency. Patients are usually admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital.

Treatment may include:

There are new drugs that act against the extreme inflammatory response seen in septic shock. These may help limit organ damage.

Hemodynamic monitoring -- the evaluation of the pressures in the heart and lungs -- may be required. This can only be done with special equipment and intensive care nursing.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Septic shock has a high death rate. The death rate depends on the cause of the infection, how many organs have failed, and how quickly and aggressively medical therapy is started.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or any other organ failure can occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Go directly to an emergency department if you develop symptoms of septic shock.

Prevention    Return to top

Prompt treatment of bacterial infections is helpful. However, many cases of septic shock cannot be prevented.

References    Return to top

Vincent J, Septic Shock. In: Fink MP, Abraham E, Vincent J, Kochanek PM, eds. Textbook of Critical Care. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 147.

Jones AE, Kline JA. Shock. In: Marx, JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006: chap 4.

Update Date: 10/18/2008

Updated by: Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP. Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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