Shock to the system.

• Autores: Maryn Mckenna
• Localización: Scientific American, ISSN 0036-8733, Vol. 308, Nº. 4, 2013, págs. 30-32
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The article discusses sepsis, a potentially fatal immune system reaction to an infection, and the challenges in diagnosing and treating it, with information on its prevalence among intensive care patients. Topics include the symptoms of the illness which include a severe drop in blood pressure, low oxygen levels, and increased heart rate, the internal process by which an excess of cytokine molecules released by the immune system weaken blood vessels and result in clotting that prevents blood from reaching major organs, and the failed attempts of scientists to develop a cure for the condition.