Severe sepsis is the number one cause
of death in the noncoronary intensive care unit and
the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the US.
More than 750,000 Americans develop severe sepsis each
year and it is estimated that there are more than 2,000
new cases per day in the US alone. Although current
numbers are staggering, cases are predicted to increase
in the future due to the coincidence of many factors
including: an increase in the number of immunocompromised
and elderly patients, the continued use of invasive
medical procedures, and the persistent emergence of
antibiotic resistant microorganisms.
Despite available therapeutic interventions,
the increasing incidence of sepsis and the high mortality
rate associated with sepsis and its sequelae continue
to pose a great challenge to healthcare practitioners.
Appropriate management of the sepsis patient relies
on awareness and sensitivity for the diagnosis as well
as early treatment.
Sepsis, once thought to be only a condition
of systemic inflammation succeeding a bacterial infection,
is now believed to be a more complicated diagnosis encompassing
systemic inflammation, prothrombotic diathesis, and
impaired fibrinolysis independent of the concomitant
infectious agent. Indeed, the increased understanding
of sepsis pathogenesis is a positive step towards clinical
management. However, with this knowledge comes the increased
complication of treating multiple disease sequelae with
very few clinically relevant therapeutic drugs.
Faced with the complexity of this diagnosis
and limited treatment options, severe sepsis has for
many years been treated in the intensive care unit as
a terminal condition and therefore given limited clinical
therapy. However, as a result of our current understanding
and newer treatment options, there is a need to re-evaluate
sepsis diagnosis, management guidelines, and therapeutic
regimens in order to provide our patients with the best
critical care medicine available.
The following CMEonCD will not
only address the most current findings in the pathophysiology
of sepsis, but will also focus on treatment regimens.
An audio interview with Curtis
N. Sessler, MD, FCCP, FCCM
(Course ID: AB0131)
In this engaging interview, Dr.
Sessler reveals a better understanding of recent
innovations in severe sepsis that can be implemented
within clinical practice.
By Curtis N. Sessler, MD, FCCP, FCCM
(Course ID: AB0122)
Patients categorized as “septic”
are a heterogeneous population displaying varying degrees
of systemic response to an inciting insult. This course
offers a comprehensive look at prognostic factors and
their relative importance that will be helpful in the
management of patients with severe sepsis.
The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing
Medical Education to provide continuing medical education
for physicians. The ACCP takes responsibility for the content,
quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.
CME Credits
The ACCP designates this educational activity
for a maximum of 4 category 1 credits 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.
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.
Accreditation Period
This program was initially published on April
28, 2003 and is eligible for credit through December 31, 2004.
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.
Course Certificate Fees
These course certificates are FREE to the holders
of the CMEonCD™ CD-ROM or the companion issue
of CME-TODAY™ for Cardiopulmonary and Critical Care.*
All others will be assessed a $10.00 USD processing fee per
credit hour.
*Valid only during the free offer period
listed on the CD-ROM.
