Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction secondary to an infection. The clinical spectrum of sepsis includes SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome), sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. It is imperative to identify sepsis early and to start treatment with IV antibiotics and fluids when it is clinically suspected, given the mortality rate ranges between 30-80%.

SIRS criteria are:

1. Temperature >38 degrees Celsius or <36 degrees Celsius

2. Heart rate > 90 beats per minute

3. Respiratory rate > 20 breaths per minute

4. WBC >12, <4, or with >10 percent bands on differential

A patient presenting with two or more SIRS criteria and has a suspected or confirmed infection, meets criteria for sepsis. Severe sepsis is marked by a lactic acid level greater than 4 as well as low systolic blood pressure (<90 mm Hg). Septic shock is characterized by persistent low blood pressure despite adequate resuscitation with fluids and antibiotics. The presence of organ failure is common with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Sepsis medical expert witness specialties include infectious disease.

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