CC Concepts: SIRS

Question 1

What are the qualifications or criteria for SIRS in patients?

Answer 1

Two or more of the following clinical signs,

• Hypothermia or hyperthermia
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnea
• Leukocytosis or leukopenia

Question 2

What are possible markers for sepsis?

Answer 2

C reactive protein and Procalcitonin

Question 3

What are common causes of SIRS in animals?

Answer 3

Heat stroke, pancreatitis, sepsis, immune mediated diseases, neoplasia, trauma, and burns

Question 4

What would be expected in SIRS patients on a coagulation panel?

Answer 4

Prolonged or increased PT/ aPTT, increased D-dimers and fibrin degradation products, and reduced antithrombin and protein C

Question 5

What changes would be expected on a biochemistry panel of a patient with SIRS?

Answer 5

Hypo- or hyperglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, increased ALT and AST, and occasionally an increased BIL

Question 6

What broad spectrum antibiotics can be used if infection is found or suspected in patients with SIRS?

Answer 6

Cephalosporins, Enrofloxacin, Metronidazole, or Ampicillin and Enrofloxacin