septic shock

noun

Definition of septic shock

: a life-threatening form of sepsis that usually results from the presence of gram-negative bacteria and their toxins in the bloodstream and that is characterized especially by decreased blood flow to organs and tissues, hypotension, organ dysfunction (as of the heart, kidneys, or lungs), impaired mental state, and often multiple organ failure

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Recent Examples on the Web

Then on April 12, 67-year-old Robert Bell Wallace of California died of septic shock, pneumonia and multi-organ failure. — Danica Coto, chicagotribune.com, "Deaths of 8 American tourists in Dominican Republic this year not unusual, island’s tourism minister says," 21 June 2019 Last week, the Minnesota native was hospitalized in intensive care because of septic shock. — The Washington Post, Twin Cities, "Former Gophers running star Gabriele Grunewald gravely ill," 11 June 2019 At the time, the agency said that the child suffered from septic shock and dehydration. — Alicia A. Caldwell, WSJ, "Guatemalan Boy Dies in Custody of U.S. Border Patrol," 26 Dec. 2018 By Thursday morning, Thomas began to succumb to fever and septic shock, which is typically triggered by a bacterial infection but can also be caused by fungi or, in rare cases, a virus (such as the flu), according to MedlinePlus. — Elizabeth Narins, Cosmopolitan, "Mother of 3 Dies 2 Days After Flu Diagnosis," 19 Jan. 2018 An aspiring personal trainer from Pennsylvania died from septic shock just days after experiencing flu symptoms over the holidays. — Jason Duaine Hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Healthy 21-Year-Old Bodybuilder Dies Just Days After Flu Diagnosis," 10 Jan. 2018 Instead, some women in the camps have relied on mystery potions or back-room abortions that can result in septic shock. — New York Times, "When a Baby Is an Everyday Reminder of Rohingya Horror," 7 July 2018 Without proper treatment, sepsis can progress into septic shock, a life-threatening condition. — Jamie Ballard, Good Housekeeping, "This Father of Two Nearly Died of Sepsis Caused By Biting His Nails," 4 May 2018 Eventually the infection led to septic shock and multiple organ failure, and finally to her death, the suit says. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun-Sentinel.com, "More lawsuits filed against South Florida drug maker accused of selling contaminated medicines," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'septic shock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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15 Aug 2019

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The first known use of septic shock was in 1966

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septic shock

noun

Medical Definition of septic shock

: a life-threatening severe form of sepsis that usually results from the presence of bacteria and their toxins in the bloodstream and is characterized especially by persistent hypotension with reduced blood flow to organs and tissues and often organ dysfunction