Shock developing in the presence of, and as a result of, severe infection.
Shock caused by bacterial toxins in the blood as a result of infection. There is a dramatic drop in blood pressure, preventing the delivery of blood to the organs. Toxic shock syndrome is one type of septic shock.
The end result of a process initiated by pathogenic organisms, altered mental status, inadequate tissue perfusion, decreased urine output, and refractory hypotension.
An inflammatory response that is caused by toxins produced by bacteria—commonly staphylococci, meningococci, or E. coli organisms— which damage tissues and trigger a dramatic drop in blood pressure. Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
A dangerous disorder characterized by a severe fall in blood pressure and damage to the body tissues as a result of septicaemia. The toxins from the septicaemia cause widespread damage to tissue, provoke clotting in small blood vessels, and seriously disturb the circulation. The kidneys, lungs and heart are particularly affected. The condition occurs most commonly in people who already have a chronic disease such as cancer, cirrhosis of the liver or diabetes mellitus. Septic shock may also develop in patients with immunodeficiency illnesses such as AIDS. The symptoms are those of septicaemia, coupled with those of shock: cold, cyanotic limbs; fast, thready pulse; and a lowered blood pressure. Septic shock requires urgent treatment with antibiotics, large volumes of intravenous fluids, oxygen, drugs to maintain blood pressure and cardiac function, artificial ventilation and/or renal dialysis.
Hypotension and inadequate blood flow to organs, as the result of sepsis (the presence of pathogens in the bloodstream). The most common organisms are gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, but fungi and other organisms may also be responsible.
A critical condition characterized by tissue harm, particularly impacting the kidneys, heart, and lungs, along with a significant decline in blood pressure. This occurs as a consequence of septicemia, which involves rapid bacterial growth and the release of bacterial toxins into the bloodstream.
Often, the primary risk stems from the toxins, as they have the potential to harm cells and tissues, trigger clotting in tiny blood vessels, and severely disrupt normal blood circulation. These toxins can also cause fluids to leak from blood vessels and reduce the vessels’ capacity to tighten. This results in a decline in blood pressure and may further lead to an additional complication known as disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder affecting blood clotting.
Septic shock is more frequently observed in individuals with underlying health issues like diabetes, cancer, or liver cirrhosis, especially if they also have an infection—commonly in the intestines or urinary tract—that has progressed to septicemia. The condition is especially prone to develop in those with compromised immune systems, whether due to an immunodeficiency disorder or the use of immunosuppressive medications. Newborns are also notably vulnerable to septic shock.
The symptoms can differ based on the severity and location of significant tissue damage, but they generally align with those seen in septicemia. Additionally, the individual may experience cold hands and feet, potentially exhibiting a bluish tint (cyanosis) due to restricted blood flow. A weak but fast pulse and significantly lowered blood pressure might also be present. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea may occur, and the condition can further lead to heart failure, unusual bleeding, and kidney damage, possibly resulting in kidney failure.
Immediate intervention for septic shock includes administering antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical removal of the infection source. Swift fluid replenishment is crucial to avert the onset of kidney failure. Actions are also undertaken to elevate blood pressure and enhance tissue blood supply.