The Lancet has published a comprehensive definition of sepsis as a dysregulated host response to infection that leads to life-threatening organ dysfunction. The medical condition occurs when an infectious trigger causes the immune system to both activate and suppress multiple body system functions in an uncontrolled manner.
Sepsis represents a critical medical emergency where the body's response to infection becomes more dangerous than the infection itself. The condition affects multiple organ systems simultaneously, making it a leading cause of mortality in healthcare settings worldwide.