Septic shock in children [Lo shock settico in età pediatrica]

Septic shock is still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children. Even if predominant in the first year of life, it can occur at all ages. Early intervention, including ABC of resuscitation, early and aggressive administration of i.v. fluids, and empirical antibiotic therapy changed its prognosis in the last years. Further improvement of septic shock outcome could be obtained in the next future by therapies that can directly modulate inflammatory responses. To increase survival, we underline the need of an early diagnosis, possibly before hospital admission.