Sepsis: Updated definitions and optimized management.

Sepsis is newly defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Organ dysfunction will be determined by an increase in the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. The updated definition should facilitate earlier recognition and more timely management of patients with sepsis. Sepsis should be treated as quickly and efficiently as possible as soon as it has been identified. This implies rapid administration of antibiotics and fluids.