Septicemia is a severe, widespread infection of the body caused by pathogenic microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, or viruses). In hospitalized patients, common bacterial causes include pneumonia, suture infection, and abscesses.
Septicemia is characterized by fever, increased heart and respiratory rate, and granulocytosis. In severe cases, there may be a significant drop in blood pressure and multiple organ failure.
Treatment of septicemia involves administering medications to combat the causative microorganism, as well as intravenous hydration and supportive measures to restore normal organ function.
These measures may include mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure and dialysis for renal failure.
