Sepsis Pathophysiology

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What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is an inflammatory response as a result of infectious agents or their products in the bloodstream.
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Immune Response
Pathogen enters the bloodstream triggering immune response, which can cause changes in capillary membranes and vascular tone.
Pathogen stimulates macrophages to release cytokines, triggering inflammatory response causing vasodilation, capillary leak and b
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What Causes Leaking Capillaries?
Toxins in the pathogen cause capillaries to leak fluid (albumin, water and electrolytes) into the surrounding tissues, resulting in tissue oedema.

This causes a low platelet count, resulting in the blood being unable to clot properly.
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Work of Breathing
Fluids leak into the alveoli causing inflammation and making it harder to breathe. This causes increased work of breath.
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Saturations
Fluid leaking reduces circulation volume and cardiac output.

Capillaries flowing beneath the alveoli have reduced circulation, impairing oxygen exchange. This results in low saturations.
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Respiratory Rate
Receptors in the hypothalamus pick up on decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide levels. Respiratory rate increases to clear carbon dioxide.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Immune Response

Back

Pathogen enters the bloodstream triggering immune response, which can cause changes in capillary membranes and vascular tone.
Pathogen stimulates macrophages to release cytokines, triggering inflammatory response causing vasodilation, capillary leak and b

Card 3

Front

What Causes Leaking Capillaries?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Work of Breathing

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Saturations

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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