SEPSIS AND THE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE SYNDROME (SIRS)

Confusion existed for many years over the use of proper terms and definitions to describe the systemic manifestations of infection. Terms such as Bacteremia, Septicemia, Sepsis, Sepsis Syndrome, and Septic Shock were used interchangeably to indicate the degree of sepsis. This led to much confusion and imprecise understanding of sepsis and related disorders.(1) During this period of confusion, the ACCP/SCCM Consensus Conference was held to determine the proper usage of terms and definitions for sepsis and its sequelae. The members of the Consensus Conference agreed to a new set of definitions which could be readily applied to patients with sepsis. The new terms became Infection, Bacteremia, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), Sepsis, Severe Sepsis, Septic Shock, and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS).(2)