“Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical care. Most often, liver failure occurs gradually and over many years.”

WEB MD

“SIRS can be incited by ischemia, inflammation, trauma, infection or a combination of several “insults”. SIRS is not always associated with infection. While not universally accepted, some have proposed the terms “severe SIRS” and “SIRS shock” to describe serious clinical syndromes that are not infectious in nature and thus cannot be labeled according to the various sepsis definitions”

Steven D. Burdette M.D. (Infectious Disease Medicine M.D.– Wright State Physicians in Dayton, Ohio – http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-steven-burdette-yhfgy)

“Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), independent of the etiology, has the same pathophysiologic properties, with minor differences in inciting cascades.”

Dr. Lewis J. Kaplan (an MD of Yale Surgical Specialty Traumas, a medical author-http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/168943-overview#a0104)

It is the body’s response to an infectious or noninfectious insult. Although the definition of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) refers to it as an “inflammatory” response, it actually has pro- and anti-inflammatory components.  SIRS is a serious condition related to systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and organ failure. It is a subset of cytokine storm, in which there is abnormal regulation of various cytokines.   Cytokines are this, the term “cytokine” is derived from a combination of two Greek words – “cyto” meaning cell and “kinos” meaning movement. Cytokines are cell messaging or signaling molecules that aid cell to cell communication in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection and trauma.

Cytokines exist in peptide, protein and glycoprotein (proteins with a sugar attached) forms. The cytokines are a large family of molecules that are classified in various different ways due to an absence of a unified classification system.  Protein is acidic as opposed to being alkalinic.

Examples of cytokines include the agents interleukin and the interferon which are involved in regulating the immune system’s response to inflammation and infection.

SIRS, independent of the etiology/cause, has the same pathophysiologic properties, with minor differences in inciting cascades. Many consider the syndrome a self-defense mechanism. Inflammation is the body’s response to nonspecific insults that arise from chemical, traumatic, or infectious stimuli. The inflammatory cascade is a complex process that involves humoral and cellular responses, complement, and cytokine cascades.  Best summarized in the relationship between these complex interactions and SIRS is it is in the following 3-stage process.  Here is a simple explanation in what occurs without taking pages in explaining the stages to you.

Stage I

Following an insult to the body, cytokines are produced at the site. Local cytokine production incites an inflammatory response, thereby promoting wound repair and recruitment of the reticular endothelial system. This process is essential for normal host defense homeostasis and if absent is not compatible with life. Local inflammation, such as in the skin and subcutaneous soft tissues occurs.

What occurs is rubor or redness at the site that reflects local vasodilation of vessels.  What is caused by release of local vasodilation of the vessels at the area of where the insult starts in the body is substances like nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin get released=Acidic.

Tumor or swelling occurs due to vascular endothelial (layer of the skin) tight junction disruption and the local extravasation of protein-rich fluid into the interstitium (layer of the skin), which also allows activated white blood cells to pass from the vascular space (blood stream) into the tissue space to help clear infection and promote repair.

Dolor is pain and represents the impact inflammatory mediators have on local somatosensory nerves. Presumably, this pain stops the host from trying to use this part of his or her body as it tries to repair itself.

The increased heat primarily due to increased blood flow occurs but also increased local metabolism as white blood cells become activated and localize to the injured tissue.

Finally, the loss of function, a hallmark of inflammation and a common clinical finding of organ dysfunction with the infection is isolated to a specific organ (ex. pneumonia—acute respiratory failure; kidney—acute kidney injury. pancreatitis–  inflammation of the pancreas).

Importantly, on a local level, this cytokine and chemokine release by attracting activated leukocytes to the region may cause local tissue destruction (ex. abscess) or cellular injury (ex. pus), which appear to be the necessary byproducts of an effective local inflammatory response.  Local infection signs & symptoms= puss, swelling. skin temperature  hot, pain and redness to the where the insult of the body is.

Ending line what happens is an insult occurs in the body, there is local cytokine production with the goal of inciting an inflammatory response thereby promoting wound repair and recruitment of the reticular endothelial system.  Your body is compensating in reacting normally to this insult.

Stage II

Small quantities of local cytokines are released into the circulation, improving the local response. This leads to growth factor stimulation and the recruitment of macrophages and platelets. This acute phase response is typically well controlled by a decrease in the pro-inflammatory mediators and by the release of endogenous antagonists; the goal is homeostasis. At this stage, some minimal malaise (general weakness)and low-grade fever may become show.

Putting it simple what occurs here is small quantities of local cytokines are released into circulation to improve the local response. This leads to growth factor stimulation and the recruitment of macrophages (cells eating up toxins to the body) and platelets (that are cells the coagulate-cause clotting). This acute phase response is typically well controlled by a decrease in the proinflammatory mediators and by the release of endogenous antagonists. The goal is homeostasis – the body still trying to compensate and react productively to this insult to the body.

Stage III

If homeostasis is not restored and if the inflammatory stimuli continue to seed into the systemic circulation, a significant systemic reaction occurs. The cytokine release (acidic) leads to destruction rather than protection. A consequence of this is the activation of numerous humoral cascades and the activation of the reticular endothelial system and subsequent loss of circulatory integrity.  The body at this stage is decompensating and not productively fighting off this insult to the body and this leads to end-organ dysfunction.

Tune in tomorrow to part 3 of SIRS the conclusion of this topic (extensive noninfectious and infectious causes with more on coagulation and multi cascading reactions in the body due to SIRS).

What is SIRS? SIRS was first described by Dr William R. Nelson, of the University of Toronto, in a presentation to the Nordic Micro Circulation meeting in Geilo, Norway-February 1983.  In 1992, the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) introduced definitions for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, severe sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), they are interrelated with each other in SIRS.  The idea behind defining SIRS was to define a clinical response to a nonspecific insult of either infectious or noninfectious origin. SIRS is defined as 2 or more of the following variables:

• Fever of more than 38°C (100.4°F) or less than 36°C (96.8°F)
• Heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate of more than 20 breaths per minute or arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO ₂) of less than 32 mm Hg, which is normally in our body at 35-45 mm Hg whereas the oxygen= PaO2 in our body greater than 80mm Hg for the norm.
• Abnormal white blood cell count (>12,000/µL or < 4,000/µL or >10% immature [band] forms)It is the body’s response to an infectious or noninfectious insult to it. Although the definition of SIRS refers to it as an “inflammatory” response, it actually has pro- and anti-inflammatory components.  SIRS describes the host response to a critical illness of infectious or noninfectious cause, such as burns, trauma, and pancreatitis. More specific definitions are as follows: Sepsis is SIRS resulting from a presumed or known site of infection. Severe sepsis is sepsis with an acute associated multiple organ failure.Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. Sepsis can also be caused by fungal, parasitic, or viral infections. The source of the infection can be any of a number of places throughout the body. Common sites and types of infection that can lead to sepsis include:
• What causes sepsis?
• SIRS is nonspecific and can be caused by ischemia, inflammation, trauma, infection, or several insults combined. Thus, SIRS is not always related to infection but can be.  SIRS is an inflammatory state affecting the whole body, frequently a response of the immune system to infection, but not necessarily so.  It is frequently related to sepsis, a condition in which individuals meet criteria for SIRS and have a known infection.

• The abdomen—An inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis), bowel problems, infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), and gallbladder or liver infections
• The central nervous system—Inflammation or infections of the brain or the spinal cord
• The lungs—Infections such as pneumonia
• The skin—Bacteria can enter skin through wounds or skin inflammations, or through the openings made with intravenous (IV) catheters (tubes inserted into the body to administer or drain fluids). Conditions such as cellulitis (inflammation of the skin’s connective tissue) can cause sepsis.
• The urinary tract (kidneys or bladder)—Urinary tract infections are especially likely if the patient has a urinary catheter to drain urineSepsis can strike anyone, but those at particular risk include:
• Who is at risk for sepsis?

• People with weakened immune systems
• Patients who are in the hospital
• People with pre-existing infections or medical conditions
• People with severe injuries, such as large burns or bullet wounds
• People with a genetic tendency for sepsis
• The very old or very youngBecause of the many sites on the body from which sepsis can originate, there is a wide variety of symptoms. The most prominent are:
• What are the symptoms of sepsis?

• Decreased urine output
• Fast heart rate
• Fever
• Or the opposite Hypothermia (very low body temperature)
• Shaking
• Chills
• Warm skin or a skin rash
• Confusion or delirium
• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)A person may have sepsis if he or she has:
• How is sepsis diagnosed?

• A high or low white blood cell count
• A low platelet count
• Acidosis (too much acid in the blood); in the hospital what is checked is lactic acid blood level.
• A blood culture to confirm that there is a positive for bacteria
• Abnormal kidney or liver functionThe most important intervention in sepsis is quick diagnosis and prompt treatment. Patients diagnosed with severe sepsis are usually placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital for special treatment. The doctor will first try to identify the source and the type of infection, and then administer antibiotics to treat the infection. (Note: antibiotics are ineffective against infections caused by viruses; if anything what is used is antiviral medications.)

The doctor also administers IV fluids to prevent blood pressure from dropping too low. In some cases, vasopressor medications (which constrict blood vessels) are needed to achieve an adequate blood pressure. Some patients are given new drug therapies, such as activated protein C (APC). And finally, if organ failures occur, appropriate supportive care is provided (for example, dialysis for kidney failure, mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure, etc.).  Commonly what is used when initially sepsis is diagnosed is Vancomycin with other antibiotics like Imipenum, Cefepime, and others depending on what the blood culture shows as the microorganism if SIRS is caused by a bacterial infection (many times it is).

• How is sepsis treated?

QUOTE FOR THURSDAY:

“Current theories about the onset and progression of sepsis and SIRS focus on dysregulation of the inflammatory response, including the possibility that a massive and uncontrolled release of proinflammatory mediators initiates a chain of events that lead to widespread tissue injury.”

Dr. Remi Neviere, MD/Professor/Author of Sepsis and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome:  MD Department of Physiology, Univ. Droit et Sante – Lille II

Go to striveforgoodhealth.com and learn about a vital occurrence happening in hospitals for years called SIRS=Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

“Kidney donors don’t have to be close relatives of recipients, but they do need to have the right blood type. And kidneys from living donors tend to last many years longer than kidneys from deceased donors.”

Virginia Postrel (born January 14, 1960 is an American political and a cultural writer).

“Excess dietary salt is most notorious for increasing blood pressure. Americans have a 90 percent lifetime probability of developing high blood pressure – so even if your blood pressure is normal now, if you continue to eat the typical American diet, you will be at risk.“

Joel Fuhrman M.D. (born December 2, 1953), is an American board-certified family physician who specializes in nutrition-based treatments for obesity and chronic disease.

The foods to buy are low sodium foods —-What to buy:

–Fruits – Fresh, canned or frozen. I recommend with canned look at the ingredients to make sure you know how much sodium is in a serving. Remember for a person with high b/p you want to keep your sodium count less than 1800 to 2000mg a day. Sodium causes the vessels to vasoconstrict (or narrow) which increases blood pressure in a person.

-Vegetables – Fresh or frozen (no sauce or plastic pouches) Canned (UNSALTED, AGAIN check the canned label for the amount of sodium in each serving.).

–Drinks – Fruits juices, fresh or frozen.

Canned low sodium or no salt added tomato & vegetable juice.

Instant breakfast* (all flavors but eggnog) —- limit to 1 cup /day

-Dairy choices – liguid or dry milk (1% or skim milk).

Homemade buttermilk (made from powdered milk) *limit these to 2-3 cups a day*

Cottage cheese, dry cured (low sodium)

Ricotta Cheese from low fat or skim milk

Farmer Cheese, part skim mozzarella neufchated *limit cheese to 1oz or 1/2 cup of one cheese/day.

-Fats, Oils – Canola, Olive, Corn, Cottonseed, Peanut, Safflower, Soybean &

Margarine (unsalted)

–Meats, Poultry, Fish

Fish, fresh or frozen (NOT BREADED): Canned tuna and salmon (Unsalted or rinsed).

Chicken or Turkey

Lean cuts of: BEEF, VEAL, PORK, LAMB.

BEEF TONGUE if you must have.

-Meat Substitutes

Dried beans, peas, lentils (not canned)

Nuts or seeds (UNSALTED, DRY ROASTED), sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, walnuts.

Unsalted peanut butter

Tofu (soybean curd)

–Breads, Cerals, Grains, Starches:

Loaf of bread and yeast rolls (limit to 3 slices a day)

Homemade breads with regular flour, not self rising.

Melba Toast

Matzo Crackers

Pita Bread

Taco Shell

Tortilla (corn)

Cooked cereals like corn grits, farina (regular), oatmeal, oat bran, cream of rice, cream of wheat (AVOID instant cereals).

Puffed Rice or wheat, shredded wheat (or any cereal with 100-150mg sodium–limit to 1 cup a day).

Wheat germ

Popcorn (no salt or fat added)

Starchy vegetables: corn, potato, green beans, etc… (not canned unless salt free).

Rice (enriched white or brown)

Pasta

– Cooking ingredients, seasonings

Corn starch, tapioca

Corn meal (not self rising)

Fresh or dried herbs, salt free herb seasonings.

Flour, regular white or whole wheat (not self rising)

Fresh fruits or vegetables (lemons, limes, onions, celery, etc.)

Fresh garlic or ginger

Louisiana – type hot sauce (limit to 1 tsp/day)

Low sodium baking powder

Onion or garlic powder

Tomato paste, unsalted tomatoes, unsalted tomato sauce.

Vinegar

Water chestnuts, yeast, butter substitute (such as Molly Mc Butter—limit to 1/2 tsp/day).

– Sweets

Carob powder, cocoa powder

Flavored gelatins

Fruits (fresh, canned, frozen)

Frozen juice bars, fruit ice, sorbet, sherbet

Sugar, honey, molasses, syrup (cane or maple)

Jelly, jams, preserves, apple butter

Graham and animal crackers, fig bars, ginger snaps

OTHER WAYS TO IMPROVE HEART FUNCTION:

1. Lose Weight, if you need to. The heart does not have to beat as hard to send blood to all parts of a slim body as opposed to a overweight or obese body.
2. Don’t smoke-Smoking makes blood vessels constrict making it more difficult to move the blood throughout the body to all tissue parts and it also makes it more difficult in breathing.
3. Avoid hard exercise and lifting heavy objects to prevent sudden pumping demands on your heart.
4. Wear clothes that permit good bloodflow in the legs. Garters, hose with tight tops (like thigh-high or knee high hose) may slow blood flow to and from your legs causing clots.
5. Avoid temperature extremes-The body works harder to keep a normal temperature when you’re too hot or cold.
6. Try to stay away from people who have colds or the flu. Ask your doctor if you should have a flu shot every year and a pneumonia shot every 6-10 years.
7. Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol (if any) is ok for you. Since alcohol weakens the heart, heart failure may improve if you stop drinking alcohol.
8. Reduce high blood pressure or high cholesterol and control your diabetes (one major way is be compliant with your meds, diet, exercise program as your M.D. orders. This can also help keep heart failure symptoms from getting worse.
9. Herbal supplements may interact with heart failure drugs. Ask your doctor before taking any herbal medicine.

**Recommended is to get clearance for any changes you decide to make with this advice on blood pressure since you may have other conditions that may not allow certain food, or activity changes. If you have high blood pressure get yourself a cardiologist if you don’t have one yet and is a specialist in knowing the best treatment for you.**