Community Series in Translational Insights into Mechanisms and Therapy of Organ Dysfunction in Sepsis and Trauma, volume III

Book excerpt: Life-threatening organ dysfunction/failure in critically ill patients suffering from sepsis or trauma is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and/or inflammation. Despite significant advances in our understanding of some of the key signaling pathways involved in the excessive inflammation associated with sepsis/trauma, the translation of our current understanding of the underlying pathophysiology into organ-protective therapeutic strategies is still very limited. Current therapeutic approaches, hence, continue to rely on source control, antibiotics and supportive care, and particularly early goal-directed therapy.