Medical hypotheses
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Sepsis is due to a systemic inflammatory response to both infectious and non-infectious disorders; and when it leads to hypotension and organ dysfunction, septic shock occurs. Mortality in sepsis is due to multiple organ dysfunction. ⋯ Despite several advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of sepsis both its prevention and management remains elusive. It is proposed that sepsis is due to failure of production of appropriate amounts of pro-resolution bioactive lipids such as lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, maresins and nitrolipids that suppress inappropriate inflammation, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, free radical generation, and leukocyte activation and enhance resolution of inflammation and wound healing.