EFFECT OF EMPIRICAL FLUCONAZOLE IN TREATMENT OF SEPSIS

Abstract

SUMMARY S epsis, defined by consensus conference as "the systemic inflammatory response syndrome” that occurs during infection. It is generally viewed as a disease aggravated by the inappropriate immune response encountered in the affected individual. In sepsis, the inflammatory response is an attempt by the body to ward off pathogens but it is often uncontrolled and detrimental, which may lead to irreversible functional and structural damage to various organ systems of the host. It is generally accepted that tissue damage in inflammatory conditions is caused primarily by host effector cells, rather than by the initiating agent. Thus, basic research and clinical trials have focused on agents capable of blocking steps within the inflammatory cascade. PMNs (neutrophils and macrophages) could be regarded as dual-edged weapons, their controlled migration and optimal activity being essential for beneficial effects. Therapeutic strategies to attenuate excessive acute inflammatory responses without compromising essential host defense mechanisms would logically benefit in preventing neutrophil-mediated organ damage in septic shock.