Despite the progress that has been made in intensive care medicine, sepsis and septic shock are still accompanied by a high mortality rate. In recent years, new therapeutic approaches have been developed on the basis of a better understanding of this complex condition. This monograph contains contributions by well-known scientists and clinicians in the fields of hygienics, microbiology, infectious diseases, physiology, surgery and intensive care medicine. It provides an up-to-date overview of the etiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and therapy of sepsis and its complications.

Sepsis: Clinical Definition and Incidence

Epidemiology, Clinical Course, and Prognosis of Sepsis in 691 Patients
Predisposing Factors and Host Defense Response to Sepsis and Septic Shock
Pathophysiology of Sepsis and Septic Shock
New Methods in the Microbiological Diagnosis of Septicemia
Early Clinical, Laboratory and Hemodynamic Indicators of Sepsis and Septic Shock
Useful and Useless Measures for Prevention of Infections and Sepsis in Intensive Care Patients
Pattern of Endocrine Secretions in Sepsis
Therapeutic Possibilities in the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Associated with Sepsis
Corticosteroids and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents in the Sepsis Syndrome
Circulatory Abnormalities in the Sepsis Syndrome
Sepsis and Myocardial Function
Oxygen Transport and Tissue Oxygenation in Sepsis and Septic Shock
Mechanisms of Limited Oxygen Delivery in Sepsis and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Changes in the Microcirculation in Sepsis and Septic Shock
Cellular and Subcellular Functions of Vital Organs in Sepsis - Multiorgan Failure
Sepsis and Leukocyte Function: Harm and Benefit
Mediators in the Pathogenesis of Septic Shock - State of the Art
Problems of Sepsis in Newborns
Crystalloids versus Colloids in Septic Shock
Metabolic Support in Sepsis: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives
Prevention and Therapy of Sepsis in the High-Risk Surgical Patient
Indication for Relaparotomy in Postoperative Sepsis
Clinical Relevance of Endotoxin and Eicosanoids in Severe Sepsis
Role of Antibodies in Bacterial Sepsis
Immunotherapy and Immunoprophylaxis of Sepsis
The Effect of Antibiotics on the Biosynthesis of Proteins
Antimicrobial Therapy of Septicemia
Metabolic Changes in Sepsis and Septic Shock
Role of OpioidAntagonists in the Therapy of Septic Shock
New Concepts in the Pharmacological Treatment of Cardiocirculatory Failure in Septic Shock.