Abstract
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in many intensive care units [1]. The pathophysiology of sepsis is characterized by a dysregulation of the immune system in response to infection or secondary to trauma. Initial hyperinflammation often results in septic shock. Simultaneously, part of the immune system is deactivated leading to a temporary but often deadly immunosuppression. In attempting to arrive at a more detailed understanding of immunophysiological processes during sepsis over the last few years, apoptosis has been recognized as one of the key factors in the pathophysiology of sepsis [2]. As shown in several animal models, accelerated apoptosis seems to be induced in leukocytes and many immunocompetent cells during sepsis [3, 4]. Similar processes are involved in humans [5].
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Weber, S., Baessler, B., Schroeder, S. (2009). Lymphocyte Apoptosis in Sepsis and Potential Anti-apoptotic Strategies. In: Vincent, JL. (eds) Yearbook of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine. Yearbook of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, vol 2009. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-92276-6_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-92276-6_14
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