produced the ‘‘Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for
management of severe sepsis and septic shock,’’ one of the
most recognized consensus statements regarding the treatment
of sepsis (most recently updated in 2012).8 In many countries,
it is held to be the standard of care.7 As 50% of hospital
admissions occur through the ED, there is a significant opportunity
to improve outcomes.9 This review will discuss the
epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic and therapeutic
approach to patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic
shock in the ED and other acute care settings. It is important
to note that as international guidelines focus on the evaluation
and management of patients with severe sepsis and septic
shock (SS/SS) as opposed to sepsis without evidence of SS/