Der Internist
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The high mortality and morbidity of severe sepsis and septic shock had not been reduced during the two recent decades, despite a number of advances in the field of supportive and adjunctive sepsis therapies. The reason might be that important steps towards overcoming of sepsis - early diagnosis, the surgical resection of the infectious focus and an adequate antibiotic treatment - at present are still suboptimal and have to be improved. However, worldwide growing resistances of pathogens against the common antibiotics are detected. ⋯ Therefore, sepsis treatment must be focused on prevention of infection, and on an optimised application of current antibiotic substances. The key factors are a broad, high dose, and early applicated initial treatment, a de-escalation strategy according to the clinical course supported by the application of novel molecular markers, and - with exceptions - a limitation of treatment to 7 to 10 days. A closer cooperation between microbiologists, infection control specialists and clinical infectious disease consultants may be a key factor to overcome the raising problems in the future.
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The pathophysiology of sepsis is not completely understood. Bacteria are the main cause of sepsis. Activated receptors of the innate immune system lead to an exaggerated immune response. ⋯ The early phase of sepsis is characterized by a proinflammatory response. In contrast, in the late stage of sepsis an anti-inflammatory milieu is observed that can cause severe immunosuppression. An overview will be given on the recent advances in understanding the interaction of different pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions in the complex and dynamic syndrome of sepsis.
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Lung transplantation has been established as an appropriate ultimate treatment strategy in end-stage lung disease, when all conventional therapeutic options have been exhausted. A successful transplantation should result in an improved quality of life as well as an increase in life-expectancy for certain diseases (cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension). There is still a critical need regarding the number of available donor organs. ⋯ Complications arising after transplantation occur because of general perioperative risks, but also as a result of specific issues such as acute or chronic graft rejection, airway stenoses, infections of the newly immunosuppressed patient as well as a complete spectrum of secondary extra-pulmonary conditions. Comprehensive follow-up care in lung transplantation patients remains a vital issue. Analyses have shown a relevant improvement in long-term outcome, when follow-up care is delivered in cooperation with an established large volume transplant centre.
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An 82 year old male patient presented with acute abdominal pain. Computer tomography revealed portomesenteric vein gas and a paralytic ileus due to an acute mesenteric ischemia. ⋯ The diagnosis of a non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia with bowel infarction was confirmed during surgery and pathologically. The patient survived without any severe consequences.