According to the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines, a sepsis diagnosis requires the presence of infection, which can be proven or suspected, and 2 or more of the following criteria: Hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg or fallen by >40 from baseline, mean arterial pressure < 70 mm Hg) Lactate > 1 mmol/L.
Severe sepsis = sepsis associated with organ dysfunction, hypoperfusion, or hypotension. Hypoperfusion and perfusion abnormalities may include, but are not limited to lactic acidosis, oliguria, or an acute alteration in mental status.
With sepsis, patients typically have fever, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and tachypnea; blood pressure remains normal. Other signs of the causative infection may be present. As sepsis worsens or septic shock develops, an early sign, particularly in older people or the very young, may be confusion or decreased alertness.
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