Sepsis: Early Recognition and Evidence-Based Management

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, leading to acute organ dysfunction and, if untreated, septic shock and death. Despite advances in critical care medicine, sepsis remains one of the leading causes of hospital mortality worldwide and imposes a substantial healthcare burden through prolonged hospitalization, intensive care admission, and long-term disability among survivors. Early recognition, rapid diagnosis, prompt antimicrobial therapy, appropriate fluid resuscitation, and timely organ support have significantly improved clinical outcomes over the past decade. The introduction of standardized sepsis management bundles, improved biomarkers, rapid molecular diagnostics, and precision critical care has further enhanced early intervention. Nevertheless, delayed diagnosis, antimicrobial resistance, and heterogeneity in host immune responses continue to present major clinical challenges. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of sepsis, while discussing emerging innovations that may improve survival and long-term recovery.