Research Topic · Peer-Reviewed

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection, in which the immune reaction mounted against a pathogen produces widespread inflammation that damages the body's own tissues. It can evolve rapidly into impaired perfusion and multiple organ dysfunction, and seve…

Curated from this journal's research 📚 12 peer-reviewed articles cited Cited 26× across the literature 🗓 Reviewed October 2026

Overview

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection, in which the immune reaction mounted against a pathogen produces widespread inflammation that damages the body's own tissues. It can evolve rapidly into impaired perfusion and multiple organ dysfunction, and severe forms carry high mortality, so early recognition and prompt intervention are critical. The underlying mechanisms involve release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, activation of coagulation, and metabolic disturbances such as lactic acidosis arising from inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, with effects extending to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and clotting system. In the respiratory context, sepsis is closely linked to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress, where indices of gas exchange help characterise severity. Diagnosis combines evidence of infection with markers of organ dysfunction, and scoring systems and biomarkers assist in estimating prognosis and mortality risk. Treatment rests on timely antimicrobial therapy, source control, haemodynamic support, and organ support, followed by rehabilitation for survivors who face prolonged recovery. Experimental models of systemic inflammation continue to illuminate the mediators involved and candidate therapies. Research addresses the triggers and inflammatory pathways of sepsis, its cardiopulmonary and haematological complications, predictors of outcome, and strategies to improve survival and recovery.

Research published in this journal

12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.

How this research is being cited

The 12 articles above have been cited 26 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.

A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Sepsis, linking to each citing work.

Editorial oversight

Curated from peer-reviewed research published in International Journal of Thorax.

Journal editorial board
Christophoros Foroulis · Greece Dott Antonio Molino · Italy Hao Deng · China

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.