SEPTIC SHOCK in the FIRST THREE MONTHS of LIFE

Shock is a generalized tissue hypoperfusion that leads to severe cellular distress and complicates some cases of paediatric and neonatal sepsis. Although a reduction in associated sepsis mortality has been observed in the last decades, it remains one of the most important causes of death or long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities in children. Prompt recognition of this condition is therefore essential to improve survival and long-term outcome. The paediatrician and the neonatologist must therefore be able to promptly recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis and septic shock to set up an adequate treatment according to the most recent international guidelines. This article provides epidemiological data from Italian and international studies, describes the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of sepsis and septic shock, as well as the therapeutic indications according to very recent recommendations.