Gut-derived infectious-toxic shock (GITS) is a frequent subtype of septic shock, in which the bacterial invasion originates from the intestinal microflora. Despite considerable progress in antibiotic therapy and supportive care, the fatality rate remains high. This volume, especially addressed to clinicians, provides an overview of the complex pathogenesis and conventional treatment of GITS and discusses novel therapeutic approaches currently being tested. The text is designed to assist the physician in evaluating the disease condition in individual cases and in making appropriate therapeutic decisions.
Notes on the bacterial content of the gut, G. Lebek and H. Cottier; the
intestinal barrier and the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, J.A. Laissue and
J.-O. Gebbers; translocation of enteric bacteria in health and disease, R.D.
Berg; biological effects of endotoxin, J.E. Doran; role of complement in
inflammation and bacterial complement in inflammation and bacterial killing,
P.J. Spath; immunoglobulins in antibacterial defence, U.E. Nydegger; markers
and mediators in enterogenic infectious/toxic shock, P. Lundsgaard-Hansen and
B. Blauhut; pathogenetic principles in the development of gut-derived
infectious-toxic shock (GITS) and multiple organ failure, R. Kraft et al;
conventional supportive and possible future therapy in patients affected by
GITS, J. Hodler and H. Cottier; possibilities of immunoprophylaxis and
immunotherapy in GITS, P. Imbach et al; production of human monoclonal
antibodies - potential therapeutic use in GITS syndromes, E.R. Waelti and M.
Stucki.
