Diagnosis and treatment of sepsis associated encephalopathy

Abstract

Sepsis associated encephalopathy (SAE) features are the diffuse cerebral dysfunction induced by the systemic response to the infection, without clinical or laboratory evidence of direct brain infection or other types of encephalopathy.The core feature of SAE is a diffuse disturbance in cerebral function free of any lateralizing signs.The primary clinical feature of SAE is a change in mental status, especially that of consciousness and cognition.The key pre-requisite for the diagnosis of SAE is presence of extracranial infection.There is no precise criteria for the diagnosis of SAE or exclusion of it, and no well-established clinical or biological markers are available.But, neural electrophysiological examination, cranial imaging and biomarkers have been found with implications for the diagnosis of SAE.At present, treatment options for SAE are limited.Things of significant importance are early identification of change in mental status, searching for pathogens and lesions, as well as prompt anti-infectious treatment, maintaining hemodynamic stability and supporting therapy. Key words: Sepsis; Sepsis associated encephalopathy; Clinical feature; Diagnosis; Treatment