Table 3 Sepsis definitions used by guidelines

Cecconi et al. [19]

“Life-threatening, generalized form of acute circulatory failure associated with inadequate oxygen utilization by the cells”

Dunser et al. [22]

Sepsis-2^* modified to replace criteria based on white blood cell count with “malaise and/or apathy”

Hollenberg et al. [20]

Haemodynamic support considered for hypoperfusion(defined as systolic BP < 90 mmHg, MAP < 65 mmHg, fall of systolic BP > 40 mmHg, change in mental status, decrease in urine output, increased lactate)

NICE [16]

Clinical suspicion of infection, with risk criteria for death(e.g.altered mental status, evidence of microvascular perfusion defect—mottled/delayed capillary refill time, high respiratory rate)

Reinhart et al. [23]

Sepsis-2^*

Rhodes et al. [9]

Sepsis-3^†

WHO [21]

Severe sepsis/septic shock defined as suspected infection plus hypotension (systolic BP < 90 mmHg) plus ≥ 1 ofpulse > 100 bpm, respiratory rate > 24, temperature < 36 °C or > 38 °C

*Sepsis-2 [24]

Sepsis: Proven or highly suspected infection plus presence of ≥ 2 of the following conditions: heart rate > 90 bpm, respiratory rate ≥ 20/min or PaCO2 < 32 mmHg, temperature < 36 °C or > 38 °C, white blood cell count < 4 × 10⁶ or > 12 × 10⁶ g/L or > 10% immature forms

Severe sepsis: Sepsis plus confusion, hypoxaemia or elevated lactate

†Sepsis-3 [1]

Sepsis: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection

Organ dysfunction: ≥ 2 points on qSOFA score, with 1 point scored for each of the following: respiratory rate > 22/min, altered mentation, systolic BP ≤ 100 mmHg