Table 1.

ACCP/SCCM consensus conference definitions (1991).

ACCP/SCCM consensus conference definitions
Sepsis—The clinical syndrome defined by the presence of both infection and a systemic inflammatory response.
Severe sepsis—Sepsis associated with organ dysfunction, hypoperfusion, or hypotension. Hypoperfusion and perfusion abnormalities may include, but are not limited to lactic acidosis, oliguria, or an acute alteration in mental status.
Septic shock—Sepsis-induced with hypotension despite adequate fluid resuscitation along with the presence of perfusion abnormalities that may include, but are not limited to lactic acidosis, oliguria, or an acute alteration in mental status. Patients who are receiving inotropic or vasopressor agents may not be hypotensive at the time that perfusion abnormalities are measured.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome—Presence of altered organ function in an acutely ill patient such that homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention.

Adapted from Bone et al. (32).