Early goal-directed therapy in severe sepsis and septic shock: a contemporary review of the literature

Early goal-directed therapy modulates systemic inflammation and results in significant reductions in morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource consumption. Early goal-directed therapy has been externally validated and is generalizable across multiple healthcare settings. Because of these robust findings, further emphasis should be placed on overcoming logistical, institutional, and professional barriers to implementation which can save the life of one of every six patients presenting with severe sepsis and septic shock.