Pathogenesis of pancreatogenic sepsis
Runkel, N.
Langenbecks Archiv für Chirurgie. Supplement. Kongressband. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Kongress 115: 439-442
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0942-2854 PMID: 9931655 Document Number: 494036
The intestinal tract is the motor of sepsis in the "gut-MOF hypothesis". Acute pancreatitis causes an early severe reduction of intestinal microcirculation with consequent production of radicals and cytokines damaging intestinal integrity. The intestinal organ dysfunction syndrome results in a breakdown of barrier function and a loss of propulsive activity. This leads to microbial overgrowth and bacterial translocation. This liberates cytokines and causes secondary pancreatic infection after lymphatic and systemic bacterial dissemination. Infected pancreatic necrosis by enteric microorganisms is the main cause of pancreatic sepsis.