Current clinical controversies in the management of sepsis

Sepsis remains a challenging clinical problem requiring prompt diagnosis and optimal clinical management if the continuing high mortality is to be contained. In this brief review I consider four specific questions that are the subject of ongoing controversy. First, whether the new ‘Sepsis-3’ definitions will be helpful, in particular in improving diagnosis, or whether the rapid move towards precision medicine will make the definition redundant. Second, should we routinely use combinations of antibiotics for the empiric treatment of sepsis.

What is cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome? A historical perspective

Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a lethal but poorly defined involuntary wasting disorder. Loss of skeletal muscle and fat distinguishes it from starvation. Cachexia has been described as a clinical syndrome since ancient times, and the poor prognosis has long been acknowledged. In this article we have reviewed historical perspectives on cancer cachexia, and commented on modern definitions. In cancer cachexia, most historical descriptions included anorexia, wasting and a pale complexion.