Sepsis is a serious problem among the elderly population as its incidence and mortality rates dramatically increase with advanced age. More importantly, the elderly has increased vulnerability to developing sepsis due to diminished physiologic reserve, presence of comorbidities, immunosenescence and frequent instrumentation. Those who survive severe sepsis are more likely to have irreversible organ damage, cognitive impairments, and diminished overall function. Additionally, elderly patients with sepsis often present with atypical symptoms which further complicates and potentially delays diagnosis. Although sepsis is a serious life-threatening disease, recognition of this problem is very low compared to other age-associated diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to analyze the challenges facing this cohort and how to optimize their management.%随着人口老龄化日趋严重,老年脓毒症患者逐年增加.更重要的是,老年患者受基础脏器功能不全、免疫力低下等多种因素的影响,更容易出现早期死亡,即便幸存者也需要更多的临床护理和长期的器官功能支持治疗,同时脓毒症症状的不典型性亦会延误其诊断与治疗.尽管脓毒症已成为一种严重威胁老年患者生命的疾病,但与其他老年相关性疾病相比,人们对它的认识仍然不足.了解老年脓毒症患者的病理生理学特点以及诊断治疗过程中需要注意的问题,有助于改善老年脓毒症患者的预后.
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