TREATMENT OF SEPTICEMIA

 The principles of the initial management are to provide

the immediate threats of uncontrolled infection
cardiorespiratory resuscitation and mitigate.

 Resuscitation requires the use of intravenous fluids

and vasopressors, with oxygen therapy and
mechanical ventilation provided as necessary.

 The initial management of infection requires forming a

probable diagnosis, obtaining cultures, and initiating
empirical antimicrobial therapy and source control (i.e.,
draining pus, if appropriate).

 The choice of empirical therapy depends on the

suspected site of infection, medical history, and local
microbial-susceptibility patterns.

 Delayed antibiotic treatment is associated with

increased mortality. Thus, intravenous antibiotic
therapy should be started as early as possible and
should cover all likely pathogens.

 antimicrobial therapy only for neutropenic sepsis and

sepsis caused by pseudomonas species.

 De-escalation of initial broad-spectrum therapy may

prevent
 1 the emergence of resistant organisms,
2 minimize the risk of drug toxicity,
3 reduce costs,

 A short course of hydrocortisone (200 to 300 mg per

day for up to 7 days for patients with refractory septic
shock.