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The Epidemiology and Outcome of Patients with Sepsis: Clear as Mud

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Sepsis and Organ Dysfunction

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Abstract

Considerable resources have been expended in recent years towards the care of patients with sepsis. Our lack of impact on the survival of septic patients, despite many therapeutic trials, suggests that a review of disease characteristics may help guide future efforts with greater success. In this chapter, we will review the case definition, incidence and occurrence rates of sepsis. Some studies have suggested that the epidemiology of sepsis has changed over time, including changes in incidence, mortality and microbiological etiology. The outcome of patients with sepsis will be reviewed, including the role of prognostic indices. Finally, we will summarize data regarding the impact of therapy on patient outcome. Throughout these various aspects of discussion of sepsis, we will illustrate concerns that contribute to some confusion regarding understanding of the condition of sepsis.

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Authors
  1. R. S. Wax
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  2. D. C. Angus
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, USA

    A. E. Baue M.D.

  2. Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    G. Berlot M.D.  & A. Gullo M.D.  & 

  3. Department of Intensive Care, Erasme University Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Belgium

    J.-L. Vincent M.D.

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© 2000 Springer-Verlag Italia

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Wax, R.S., Angus, D.C. (2000). The Epidemiology and Outcome of Patients with Sepsis: Clear as Mud. In: Baue, A.E., Berlot, G., Gullo, A., Vincent, JL. (eds) Sepsis and Organ Dysfunction. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2284-3_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2284-3_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-0096-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2284-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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