Mediator-specific therapies for the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock: present and future approaches.

Despite recent advances in critical care and cardiopulmonary support, mortality from septic shock and its complications remains high. Effective therapies are needed to halt the progression of SIRS and the septic cascade prior to development of shock and organ ischemia/dysfunction. Such therapies are directed at prevention of infection/endotoxemia and modulation of mediators. These therapies are the focus of this article.