Medical societies discuss sepsis at conference - Brief Article

AORN Journal, May, 2002

Physicians need to understand and monitor the progress of sepsis better because of the number of new therapeutic agents entering the market, according to a Jan 28, 2002, news release from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. To meet this end, leaders from more than 10 medical societies met in December 2001 to discuss issues surrounding sepsis.

This conference was prompted in part by a survey that indicated most physicians believe sepsis is misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late because of lack of a clear definition. They also believe it is one of the most challenging conditions to treat.

Results of the meeting include the following items.

* A model termed the PIRO Model was created to diagnose and track the progression of sepsis more effectively. Components of the model include P--predisposition of patients for responding to infection in different ways; I--infection; R--response; and O--organ dysfunction.

* Attendees developed a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms of sepsis.

* Attendees developed an educational initiative to promote understanding of sepsis among clinicians. Each society represented at the meeting will disseminate this information through a wide range of sources.

Sepsis is the number one cause of death in the noncoronary intensive care unit. Each year, approximately 750,000 Americans contract sepsis, and slightly less than one-third will die from the condition. Many patients who develop sepsis are hospitalized for unrelated illnesses; however, healthy people who develop infections also can develop sepsis.

The Society of Critical Care Medicine Along With Other Medical Societies Partner To Address Need To Better Define and Monitor Sepsis (news release, San Diego: Society of Critical Care Medicine, Jan 28, 2002) http://www.sccm.org/pressroom/sepsis.html (accessed 15 Feb 2002).