How are sepsis and septic shock differentiated in the ICU?

Sepsis and septic shock are differentiated primarily by the presence of persistent hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation. Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. In contrast, septic shock is a more severe form of sepsis characterized specifically by a significant drop in blood pressure that does not respond adequately to fluids. This persistent hypotension is crucial in determining the severity of the condition and guiding the management of the patient in the ICU.

While laboratory results may provide valuable information regarding the patient’s infection status and organ function, they alone do not definitively differentiate between sepsis and septic shock. Age of the patient and blood type are generally not relevant criteria for this differentiation. Therefore, the hallmark feature of septic shock, which is the ongoing hypotension, is key to understanding the progression and severity of sepsis in critically ill patients.