The gastrointestinal tract as a barrier in sepsis

The gastrointestinal tract is an organ of digestion and absorption which is metabolically active and has specific nutrient requirements. In health, it has an additional function as a major barrier, protecting the body from ha rmful intraluminal pathogens and large antigenic molecules. In disease stat es, such as sepsis when the mucosal barrier is compromised, micro-organisms and their toxic products gain access to the portal and systemic circulatio ns producing deleterious effects. Under these circumstances, systemic infla mmatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (M ODS) develop leading to deterioration and death of the patient in the inten sive care unit. Therapeutic strategies for such patients in the intensive c are unit aim to support general immune function and maintain the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract. For these therapies to be succe ssful, the underlying septic or necrotic focus must be ablated using approp riate surgical or other invasive techniques.