Source control in septic shock

Abstract

Source control encompasses a spectrum of interventions whose objective is to eradicate a focus of infection, to eliminate ongoing microbial contamination, and to render a site in hospitable to microbial growth and invasion. Adequate source control in conjunction with antibiotics, resuscitation and support of vital organ function - is a cornerstone of the successful management of the septic patient.The principles of source control in the management of sepsis and septic shock include rapid diagnosis of the specifi c site of infection. A careful history and physical examination often yield clues to the source of sepsis and help guide subsequent microbiologic evaluation. Healthcare professionals should engage specialists in other disciplines, such as radiology, surgery, pulmonary medicine, and gastroenterology, to obtain diagnostic samples and to drain, debride, or remove the infection source as appropriate.

Keywords

• sepsis
• source control
• survival sepsis guidelines
• drainage
• debridement
• device removal