Definitions and pathophysiology of sepsis.

Mortality rates for sepsis and septic shock have not improved in the past decade. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines released in 2012 emphasize early recognition and treatment of sepsis, in an effort to reduce the burden of sepsis worldwide. This series of review articles will discuss the pathophysiology of sepsis; comorbidities, such as multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and endocrine issues; and finally, management of sepsis and septic shock.