Infectious Disease Emergencies

Abstract

SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE SYNDROME

• CRITERIA: Requires two or more of the following:

  • Temperature >38 C or <36 degrees Centigrade

  • Heart rate >90 beats/minute in the absence of beta-blocker

  • Respiratory rate >20 breaths/minute or paCO2<4.2 kPa (32 mmHg)

  • White blood cell count >12,000/cu.mm, <4000/cu mm or >10% immature forms(left shift)

• SEPSIS

  • SIRS in a patient with a confirmed source of infection

• SEVERE SEPSIS

  • Sepsis in the presence of organ dysfunction and hypotension (<90 mmHg or 40 mmHg reduction from normal blood pressure in the absence of other causes of hypotension)

• SEPTIC SHOCK

  Sepsis (SIRS + infection) with a systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or a drop of

  >30 mmHg, despite adequate resuscitation and signs of perfusion deficits (ie lactic acidosis, oliguria, depressed mental status)

  May not be hypotensive if vasopressors or inotropes are being used.