Definition

Septicaemia is defined as the presence of numerous bacteria in the blood that are actively dividing. This results in a systemic response to the infection leading to organ dysfunction. It can be complicated by circulatory collapse, myocardial depression, increased metabolic rate and perfusion abnormalities.

Other terms

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS): two of the following four criteria present:

1. 1 Core temperature >38°C or <36°C
   
2. 2 Severe tachycardia or bradycardia
   
3. 3 Tachypnoea
   
4. 4 Raised or reduced leukocyte count.

Sepsis: