Work

The role of the endothelium in severe sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Year: 2003

Type: review

Abstract: Severe sepsis, defined as sepsis with acute organ dysfunction, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The development of novel therapies for sepsis is critically dependent on an understanding of the basic mechanisms of the disease. The pathophysiology of severe sepsis involves a highly complex, integrated response that includes the activation of a number of cell types, inflammatory mediators, and the hemostatic system. Central to this process is an alteration of endothelial cell function. The goals of this article are to (1) provide an overview of sepsis and its complications, (2) discuss the role of the endothelium in orchestrating the host response in sepsis, and (3) emphasize the potential value of the endothelium as a target for sepsis therapy.

Source: Blood

DOI: 10.1182/blood-2002-06-1887

Author: William C. Aird

Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute