The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3).

Importance: Definitions of sepsis and septic shock were last revised in 2001. Considerable advances have since been made into the pathobiology (changes in organ function, morphology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, and circulation), management, and epidemiology of sepsis, suggesting the need for reexamination.

Objective: To evaluate and, as needed, update definitions for sepsis and septic shock.