Why does septic shock, initiated by a localized bacterial infection, sometimes trigger multi-organ failure distantly, despite antibiotic treatment eliminating the original infection source?

💡 Explanation

Septic shock can lead to multi-organ failure because the initial localized infection triggers an uncontrolled release of cytokines, resulting in a cytokine storm. This systemic inflammatory response causes widespread vasodilation and vascular leakage, impairing oxygen delivery to distant organs. Therefore, the cytokine storm causes the distant failure, rather than direct bacterial damage, antibiotic side effects, or complement lysis.

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