Septic shock

Alternative names:

bacteremic shock; endotoxic shock; warm shock

Treatment:

Septic shock is a medical emergency; people are admitted to intensive care.

The objective of treatment is to:

• provide oxygen and treat respiratory distress if present
• elevate the legs to maximize blood flow to the brain
• administer intravenous fluids to restore blood volume and vasoactive drugs to treat low blood pressure
• treat underlying infections with antibiotics

Hemodynamic monitoring to evaluate the pressures in the heart and lungs in treatment of shock requires specialized equipment and intensive care nursing.

Expectations (prognosis):

Septic shock has a high death rate, exceeding 50%, depending on the type of organism involved.

Complications:

Respiratory or cardiac failure can occur.

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room if symptoms of septic shock are present. You may need to call an ambulance if you have no means of transportaion or if you feel like you are unable to drive.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial