Which stage of sepsis includes systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) plus a confirmed source of infection?

The stage of sepsis that encompasses systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) along with a confirmed source of infection is designated as sepsis. This condition is characterized by the body's response to infection, where it releases inflammatory mediators that can lead to a systemic inflammatory response.

In the context of sepsis, SIRS criteria are met when there are indications such as elevated heart rate, abnormal temperature, increased respiratory rate, or an altered white blood cell count. The presence of a confirmed source of infection means that clinicians can identify where the infection is stemming from, such as in cases of pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or other localized infections.

Understanding that sepsis specifically integrates both systemic inflammation and an identified infectious etiology helps in recognizing its significance in clinical practice. This distinction underscores the difference between sepsis and other related concepts like severe sepsis (which involves organ dysfunction) or septic shock (which includes severe hypotension and is a more advanced state of septic complications).