Introduction: Sepsis is the most common cause of acute renal failure in intensive care units. Aim: Tis study aimed to analyse the etiopathogenesis of sepsis and the clinical significance of early detection and timely treatment of sepsis in intensive care units. Method: We analysed literature and clinical studies addressing the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis syndrome. Results: There was a 1.5% increase in the number of patients with sepsis over one year. Severe sepsis is defined as sepsis with hypotension, hypoperfusion and organ dysfunction. Sepsis is characterised by activation of the patient's immune system and enhancement of the creation of mediators that play an important role in the development of multiple organ system failure in patients with sepsis. The strategy for preventing acute renal failure in patients with sepsis includes early targeted therapy (in the first 6 hours), which consists of an early increase in blood volume circulating fluids (at least 20 ml/kg crystalloid in the first hour). Initial therapy should be achieved by central venous pressure of 8-12 mmHg, mean arterial blood pressure greater than 65 mmHg, urine output greater than 0.5 ml/kg/h and mixed venous blood saturation of oxygen greater than 70%. The ventilation strategy to protect the lungs and kidneys in patients on mechanical ventilation includes a tidal volume of 6 ml/kg and an end-inspiratory pressure plateau less than 30 cmH2O. To remove a mediator from the serum of patients, high-volume haemofiltration and continuous haemodiafiltration with PMMA are used. Conclusion: Early follow-up and early implementation of targeted therapies play a key role in preventing the development of acute heart and kidney damage.