Are there new approaches for diagnosis, therapy guidance and outcome prediction of sepsis?

Figure 1 Diagnostic criteria of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock (modified from[5]). CRP: C-reactive protein; PCT: Procalcitonin; SIRS: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Figure 2 Simplified scheme of the impaired immunity during sepsis and the potential use of biomarkers: Initially, the body reacts to infectious stimuli with a proinflammatory immune response. Simultaneously, compensatory mechanisms are initiated to counteract the inflammatory process. The resulting net immune suppression is characterised by an increased risk of opportunistic infections. Beside C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, further biomarkers may be used in diagnosis, therapy-guidance and outcome prediction of sepsis.

Figure 3 Use of biomarkers in sepsis: A wide range of biomarkers has been under intensive investigation to assist the clinician in diagnosis, outcome prediction and therapy guidance. LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; aPTT: Activated partial thromboplastin time; AT: Antithrombin; PAI-1: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1; CVS: Cardio vascular system; GIT: Gastrointenstinal.