Current treatment of severe sepsis.

The treatment of severe sepsis includes three essential principles: eradication of the inciting infection using source control measures and empiric antibiotics, hemodynamic resuscitation of hypoperfusion to avoid acute life-threatening organ dysfunction, and sustained support of organ system dysfunction using interventions that minimize organ injury. Therapy can be divided into immediate steps taken to stabilize the patient, followed by more definitive therapeutic intervention. The evidence for best clinical practice for resuscitation, management of infection, and intensive care unit supportive care has recently been synthesized by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and published as evidence-based guidelines for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock.