Overview

Sepsis with acute organ dysfunction, also known as severe sepsis, is the number one cause of death in the noncoronary intensive care unit. Today, more than 750,000 Americans develop severe sepsis each year, equaling more than 2,000 new cases per day in the United States. Progression of sepsis can lead to organ dysfunction and ultimately death.

In the past, sepsis was considered to represent a systemic inflammatory response to the presence of a presumed bacterial infection. In light of recent research, however, sepsis has been found to more than just inflammation. In fact, recent advances in the diagnosis and management of the patient with severe sepsis have been developed. Our guest today, Curtis N. Sessler, MD, FCCP, FCCM will help give us a better understanding of these recent innovations in severe sepsis so that they can be implemented with our clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe therapeutic interventions in patients with severe sepsis based upon evidence from recent trials

• Understand the pathophysiology of sepsis

• Define the diagnostic criteria for sepsis

Target Audience

This CME activity is beneficial for physicians specializing in cardiopulmonary and critical care medicine and other healthcare providers who manage patients with severe sepsis.

Learner Participation to Earn Credit

• Review the course material

• Complete the online post-test with a score of 70% or higher

• Complete online program evaluation

Faculty Disclosures

Curtis N. Sessler, MD, FCCP, FCCM [BioSketch]
Professor of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University; Medical Director, Critical Care, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Richmond, VA
Disclosure: Speaker’s bureau: Eli Lilly and Company.

Accreditation Statement
The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide Continuing Education for Physicians. The ACCP takes responsibility for content, quality, and scientific integrity of the CME activity.

CME Credit
The ACCP designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

Only US licensed physicians will be awarded AMA PRA category 1 credit. All others, including international licensed physicians, will receive a certificate of course completion.

Disclaimer
As a sponsor accredited by ACCME, the ACCP must ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its individually sponsored and jointly sponsored educational activities. All faculty participating in this activity are expected to disclose to the activity audience any or no significant financial interest or other relationship (1) with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services discussed in an educational presentation, and/or (2) with any commercial supporters of the activity. It remains for the audience to determine whether the speaker's interests or relationships may influence the presentation with regard to exposition or conclusion. Disclosure of any or no relationships will be made available during this activity.

*Valid only during the free offer period listed on the CD-ROM.