Trauma-related sepsis and multiple organ failure: Current concepts in the diagnosis and management

Like other critical illnesses, severe traumatic injury is closely associated with the onset of a systemic inflammatory response, sepsis and progressive multiple organ dysfunction, which is the leading cause of death in intensive care units. Increased insight into the complex pathogenesis of this disease process has resulted in the development of a number of therapeutic interventions. This article outlines key mechanisms in the onset of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, as well as a more recent concept of treatment aimed at preventing the progress of those complications and decreasing mortality.