[Sepsis : particularities in the elderly patients].

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to an infection. The clinical presentation of sepsis in the elderly is very variable and sepsis is therefore challenging to diagnose in this population. The new sepsis definitions published in 2016, which are based on objective clinical and biological scores, should lead to earlier recognition and diagnosis. Treatment should start as soon as possible because the specific pathophysiological changes of aging increase the risk of a sudden deterioration to septic shock. Physicians should treat elderly patients with sepsis according to internationally recommended guidelines but should take into account specific aspects related to the elderly. These aspects include the presence of specific comorbidities and the need to clarify the overall objectives of care when deciding to admit a patient to the intensive care unit.