Table 1.

Most recent definitions of sepsis in children and adults

Consensus	Term	Definition
2005 International Pediatric Sepsis Definition Consensus conference	SIRS	Meets ≥ 2 of the following criteria, 1 of which must be temperature or WBC count: • Pyrexia (> 38.5 °C) or hypothermia (< 36 °C) • Age-dependent tachycardia or bradycardia • Tachypnea or need for mechanical ventilation • Abnormal WBC count or > 10% immature neutrophils
	Sepsis	SIRS and suspected or confirmed infection
	Severe sepsis	Sepsis and cardiovascular dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, or ≥ 2 non-cardiorespiratory organ system dysfunctions
	Septic shock	Sepsis and cardiovascular dysfunction, defined as either hypotension, receipt of vasoactive medication, or impaired perfusion despite fluid resuscitation
2016 Sepsis-3 (adults)	Sepsis	Suspected or confirmed infection and presence of organ dysfunction (measured by SOFA score or qSOFA score increase in ≥ 2 points)
	Septic shock	Suspected or confirmed infection and cardiovascular dysfunction, defined as hypotension despite fluid resuscitation or requiring vasoactive medication in presence of hyperlactatemia

SIRS, systemic inflammatory response syndrome; SOFA, sequential organ failure assessment; qSOFA, quick SOFA