Sammanfattning
Severe sepsis and septic shock are life threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention. Such patients must be given highest priority in the health care system in a similar way that multitrauma and myocardial infarction are given today. During the first 24 h, the condition may deteriorate and after the initial resuscitation, the patient must be observed and monitored for vital functions and matched against the treatment goals. Severe sepsis and septic shock may occur within all medical and surgical specialities. Increased awareness of how elusive this condition may appear and of the necessity for prompt care is needed among all healthcare professionals.