Management of sepsis.

Severe sepsis remains a common cause of death in surgical patients. Eradication of the septic source and supportive care has long been the mainstay of treatment. In recent years, however, early goal-directed therapy, tighter glucose control, administration of drotrecogin alfa (activated), and steroid replacement have produced improved morbidity and mortality. In the future, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis and clinical studies may further improve outcomes from severe sepsis.