American journal of hospital pharmacy
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An overview of gram-negative sepsis is presented, and the need for improved treatment for this condition is emphasized. The availability of new and more potent antimicrobial agents has not substantially altered the mortality from sepsis and septic shock. Gram-negative infection, bacteremia, sepsis, and septic shock remain major clinical problems, particularly among hospitalized patients. ⋯ Because bacterial endotoxin plays a pivotal role in triggering the biological cascade of mediators in the septic process, a new therapy has been developed, immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies that neutralize lipopolysaccharide by binding to lipid A. Successful treatment of gram-negative sepsis requires appropriate patient identification and timely intervention. While antimicrobial agents remain important, monoclonal antibodies hold promise as a new therapeutic intervention.