Update on sepsis: Pathophysiology and treatment

Sepsis results from the activation of a complex cascade of mediators, an appropriate and necessary body response to infection or insult which can, however, become excessive and detrimental to the host. When the immunological host response is not well controlled, it may lead to multiple organ failure and death. This manuscript reviews the epidemiology and the major factors involved in the development of sepsis, and considers a number of therapeutic interventions that may help to better control the septic process and the related development of multiple organ failure.