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SIRS


Table 1: SIRS[Ame92] is defined as the presence of two or more of the variables below
Variable Abnormality
Temperature $>$ 38 \ensuremath{^\circ}C

or $<$ 36 \ensuremath{^\circ}C

Heart rate $>$ 90 beats per minute
Respiratory rate $>$ 20 breaths per minute

or PaCO \ensuremath{_2} $<$ 32 mmHg ($<$ 4.3 kPa)

White cell count $> 12 \times 10^9$

or $< 4 \times 10^9$

or $> 10\%$ immature (band) cells


evidence.pngThe definition of SIRS has varied and most accepted definition is that given by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)/ Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)[Ame92], outlined in table 1.

In simple terms SIRS is defined as a syndrome characterised by the presence of two or more variables. This definition is fairly wide and all encompassing, indeed any sick surgical patient almost automatically has SIRS.


next up previous index Surgical Topics
Next: Infection Up: Introduction Previous: Introduction   Index
Adrian P. Ireland