Antimicrobial treatment of sepsis.

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and death in hospitalized patients worldwide and one of the largest current challenges in critical care.

METHOD: Review of the pertinent English-language literature.

RESULTS

Treatment goals conventionally have included maintenance of systemic perfusion and eradication of sources of infection. Initial empiric antimicrobial regimen should be broad enough to cover all likely pathogens, as there is little margin for error in critically ill patients.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary team, including the critical care physician, the microbiologist, the infectious disease specialist, the surgeon, and the clinical pharmacologist, is necessary for optimal patient outcome.