ABSTRACT
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), often leading to MultiOrgan Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) remains the main cause of admission to most ICUs. Inappropriate and excessive inflammatory responses throughout the cardiovascular system may be triggered by micro-organisms (septic shock) or from non-infective causes. Inflammatory responses release vasoactive mediators, causing gross vasodilatation and increased capillary permeability (‘capillary leak’), resulting in distributive shock, hypovolaemia, profound hypotension and, if not reversed, progressive organ failure. If two or more organs fail, MODS exists, prognosis becoming progressively worse.
