PATHOGENESIS AND POTENTIAL STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OFSEPTIC SHOCK - AN UPDATE

Septic shock is mediated by complex interactions of cells, cytokines, and humoral pathways. Clinical therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibit ing selected pathways have been efficacious in subsets of patients. Ex perimental studies focusing on the activities of single cytokines have contributed to the understanding of the complex pathophysiology of se ptic shock. More precise delineation of the roles of each mechanism co ntributing to pathogenesis will permit the identification of subsets o f patients who might benefit from particular therapeutic strategies an d will guide the development of additional approaches to prevention an d treatment.