MYOCARDIAL DYSFUNCTION IN SEPTIC SHOCK

Sepsis represents the systemic response to infection and is initiated through the effects of one or more components of the invading microorganism. These components may include structural elements (e.g., endotoxin from gram-negative bacteria) or secreted exotoxins (e.g., toxic shock toxin from some Staphylococcus aureus serotypes or streptococcal toxin A from invasive streptococcus A serotypes). These substances are thought to trigger the local...