Table 1.
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria for sepsis definition.
| Parameters/Criteria | Phases of syndrome development | |
| Criterion 1: Body Temperature | ||
|
|
>100.4°F or <96.8°F | Phase 1: SIRS ≥ 2 criteria |
| Criterion 2: Respiratory Rate | ||
|
|
>20 breaths/minute (or PaCO2 <32 mmHg) | Phase 2: Sepsis (SIRS + suspected or confirmed infection) |
| Criterion 3: Heart Rate | ||
|
|
> 90 beats/minute | Phase 3: Severe sepsis (sepsis + organ dysfunction) |
| Criterion 4: White blood cell count | ||
|
|
>12,000/mm3 or <4000/mm (or >10% bands) | Phase 4: Septic shock (severe sepsis + persistent hypotension) |
| Final Phase: Multiple Organ Dysfunction | ||
|
|
Reported ≥ 2 organs failing |
|