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Septic Shock
Alternate Names : Bacteremic Shock, Endotoxic Shock, Septicemic Shock, Warm Shock
Definition Septic shock is a serious, abnormal condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to low blood pressure and low blood flow. Vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver may not function properly or may fail. Decreased urine output from kidney failure may be one manifestation.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Septic shock occurs most often in the very old and the very young. It also occurs in people with underlying illnesses. Any bacterial organism can cause septic shock. Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause this condition. Toxins released by the bacteria or fungus may cause direct tissue damage, and may lead to low blood pressure and/or poor organ function. These toxins also produce a vigorous inflammatory response from the body which contributes to septic shock.
Risk factors include underlying illnesses, such as diabetes; hematologic cancers (lymphoma or leukemia); and other malignancies and diseases of the genitourinary system, liver or biliary system, and intestinal system. Other risk factors are recent infection, prolonged antibiotic therapy, and having had a recent surgical or medical procedure. See also:
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- Neuropathy
- Breast Cancer
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Septic Shock Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Septic Shock Symptoms & Signs
• Septic Shock Prevention
• Septic Shock Diagnosis & Tests
• Septic Shock Treatment
• Septic Shock Prognosis
• Septic Shock Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Diabetes
• DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)
• Heart Failure
• Meningococcemia
• Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome
Tests & Exams
• Blood Culture
Other Topics
• Agitation
• Biliary System
• Blood Pressure - Low
• Confusion
• Fever
• Intravenous
• Paleness
• Respiratory
• Shock
• Toxins
• Urine Output - Decreased
Review Date : 1/25/2002
Reviewed By : David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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