SIRS

SIRS or Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is a condition that can occur in response to various severe clinical insults. It is characterized by changes in temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and white blood cell count.

Definition

The definition of SIRS was established in 1991 by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). According to these criteria, a patient is diagnosed with SIRS if they meet two or more of the following conditions:

• Temperature >38°C or <36°C
• Heart rate >90 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate >20 breaths per minute or PaCO2 <32 mm Hg
• White blood cell count >12,000/cu mm, <4,000/cu mm, or >10% immature (band) forms

Causes

SIRS can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infection, trauma, surgery, pancreatitis, and others. It is important to note that SIRS can occur without infection, in which case it is not considered sepsis.

Treatment

The treatment of SIRS is primarily supportive and depends on the underlying cause. This may include antibiotics for infection, fluid resuscitation for hypovolemia, and vasopressors for hypotension.

Prognosis

The prognosis of SIRS depends on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health status. In general, the mortality rate of SIRS is high, especially in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

See also

• Sepsis
• Septic shock
• Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome