Pathophysiology
During infection, offending microbes interact with the host
immune system producing a downstream inflammatory cascade
involving cytokines and other mediators, which in turn
triggers a systemic response. The resultant effects include
vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, myocardial
depression, and impairment of the coagulation cascade,
resulting in global imbalance of systemic oxygen supply
and demand, and a procoagulant state. During the late stage
of sepsis, immunosuppression predominates, leading to
multiorgan dysfunction and further clinical deterioration.13