Definition of Sepsis and Non-infectious SIRS

The word ‘‘sepsis’’ has its origins in the word ‘‘σήψις’’, which is the original Greek word for decomposition or putrefaction, and has been used in that context since before Hippocrates [1, 2]. However, although the word, sepsis, has been used for more than 2700 years, it is only relatively recently that we have begun to understand the pathophysiology of sepsis in any depth [3]. With this new insight into the mechanisms underlying sepsis has come the potential for new and improved therapeutic interventions, and simultaneously a realization that the available terminology and definitions of sepsis were confusing and inadequate. In this chapter, I will outline progress in the field of sepsis definitions, and discuss possible approaches for the future.