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Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Generalized inflammatory state defined by abnormalities in temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and white blood cell count.

Also: SIRS

SIRS plus infection equals sepsis. Drivers include trauma, burns, pancreatitis, and ischemia. Triggers the ebb-and-flow metabolic response that accelerates catabolism. Recognition of SIRS prompts urgent assessment for source of inflammation and consideration of early goal-directed therapy.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 39

    SIRS plus infection equals sepsis. Drivers include trauma, burns, pancreatitis, and ischemia. Triggers the ebb-and-flow metabolic response that accelerates catabolism. Recognition of SIRS prompts urgent assessment for source of inflammation and consideration of early goal-directed therapy.

Related terms

Critical Illness, Cytokine Storm, Sepsis