A life-threatening form of sepsis in which abnormalities in circulation and cellular metabolism lead to persistent inadequate tissue perfusion and a high risk of death.
During septic shock, the body’s dysregulated response to infection can cause profound changes in blood vessels, circulation, and organ function. Despite appropriate fluid resuscitation, blood pressure and tissue perfusion may remain inadequate, requiring medications called vasopressors to maintain circulation.
Septic shock is a medical emergency and represents a more severe state within the spectrum of sepsis.
QUICK FACT
Septic shock is not simply “very bad infection.” It involves life-threatening circulatory and metabolic abnormalities resulting from a dysregulated response to infection.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Anaphylactic shock: also causes potentially severe circulatory impairment, but results from a severe hypersensitivity reaction rather than infection.
SEE ALSO