This Research Topic is the second volume of the “New Insights in Sepsis Pathogenesis and Renal Dysfunction: Immune Mechanisms and Novel Management Strategies” Community Series. Please see the first volume here. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to an active infectious process in the host; the symptoms are mainly produced by host defense systems rather than by the invading pathogens, involving pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. The association of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and sepsis ranges from 45% to 70% of cases, with a significantly increased risk of death, progression toward chronic kidney disease and increased health resource utilization. Despite relevant therapeutic advances, sepsis-related AKI remains associated with an unacceptably high morbidity/mortality risk, increased health resource utilization, as well as - in survivors - with increased risk of transition to chronic kidney disease. Currently there are no approved treatments for sepsis-related AKI. The main objective of this research topic is to shed new light on sepsis pathogenesis and provide new potential therapeutic strategies to prevent the progression to AKI.

Life-threatening organ dysfunction/failure in critically ill patients suffering from sepsis or trauma is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and/or inflammation. Despite significant advances in our understanding of some of the key signaling pathways involved in the excessive inflammation associated with sepsis/trauma, the translation of our current understanding of the underlying pathophysiology into organ-protective therapeutic strategies is still very limited. Current therapeutic approaches, hence, continue to rely on source control, antibiotics and supportive care, and particularly early goal-directed therapy.

This book is unique in approaching multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) from the perspective of its pathophysiological mechanism, and addressing aspects that are overlooked in most of the available literature. Eminent experts in the field from Europe and beyond offer new insights into risk stratification, severity assessment, and management of critically ill patients with sepsis. The principal focus is on recently developed concepts in infection management and in antibiotic use, bearing in mind that in these patients the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics are altered, affecting renal clearance and requiring dosage adjustments. The significance of the PIRO (predisposing factors, infection, response, organ dysfunction) model in the development of effective treatment strategies is emphasized. This book will be of interest and value to all who are involved in the treatment of, or research into, sepsis and MODS.

Sepsis: New Insights, New Therapies brings together contributions from an international group of experts in diverse fields to consider how the various pathways implicated in early and late sepsis interact, with a particular emphasis on novel concepts and potential new therapeutic approaches. Topics covered include adaptive immunity, inflammation, neuroendocrinology, bioenergetics and metabolism. Several chapters in the latter half of the book are particularly concerned with treatment strategies involving modulation of the neuroendocrine response. Addresses the frequent, but under-recognised condition of sepsis and discusses new ways to prevent and treat it Describes numerous pharmacological approaches to therapy for early and late sepsis Includes detailed discussion of the various physiological systems implicated in sepsis Presents an international perspective, featuring contributions from experts from laboratories worldwide involved in the study of sepsis Sepsis: New Insights, New Therapies is an invaluable resource for all critical care physicians and researchers. It is also informative reading for immunologists, endocrinologists, neuroendocrinologists, physiologists, and pharmacologists.

This book is unique in approaching multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) from the perspective of its pathophysiological mechanism, and addressing aspects that are overlooked in most of the available literature. Eminent experts in the field from Europe and beyond offer new insights into risk stratification, severity assessment, and management of critically ill patients with sepsis. The principal focus is on recently developed concepts in infection management and in antibiotic use, bearing in mind that in these patients the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics are altered, affecting renal clearance and requiring dosage adjustments. The significance of the PIRO (predisposing factors, infection, response, organ dysfunction) model in the development of effective treatment strategies is emphasized. This book will be of interest and value to all who are involved in the treatment of, or research into, sepsis and MODS.