Sepsis is still the leading cause of death in surgical and general intensive care units. Although our knowledge of this complex syndrome has increased in recent years, it is still far from com- plete. New therapeutic approaches have been developed. Some did not fullfill the high expectations for their use in clinical prac- tice; others are still under clinical evaluation. is the aim of this monograph to offer basic information on the It etiology, definition, pathophysiology, prevention and therapy of sepsis and septic shock to both the clinician and the scientist. We believe that it presents an extensive overview that may help the clinician to better understand and treat sepsis and septic shock. We also hope that this work will give some directions for future research both in the clinical field as well as the laboratory. Jena, Berlin, Jerusalem, K.Reinhart February 1994 K.Eyrich C.Sprung TableofContents I.Definition/Prognosis Sepsis and Septic Shock: Update on Definitions (Jo-L.Vincent) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -------- 3 Clinical Manifestations and Prognostic Indicators in Sepsis (R.C.Bone) ... 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16 What Determines Prognosis in Sepsis? Evidence for a Comprehensive Individual Patient Risk Assessment Approach to the Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials (W.A.Knaus, D.P.Wagner, F.E.Harrell, Jr.