Sepsis in Internal Medicine wards: current knowledge, uncertainties and new approaches for management optimization

AbstractSepsis represents a global healthproblem in terms of morbidity, mortality, social and economic costs. Although usually managed in Intensive Care Units, sepsisshowed an increased prevalence among Internal Medicinewards in the last decade. This is substantially due to the ageing of population and to multi-morbidity. These characteristics represent both a risk factor for sepsisand a relative contra-indication for the admission to Intensive Care Units. Although there is a lack of literature on the management of sepsisin Internal Medicine, the outcome of these patients seems to be gradually improving. This is due to Internists’ increased adherence to guidelines and “bundles”. The routine use of SOFA scorehelps physicians in the definition of septic patients, even if the optimal score has still to come. Point-of- careultrasonography, lactates, procalcitoninand beta-d-glucan are of help for treatment optimization. The purpose of this narrative review is to focus on the management of sepsisin Inte...