Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock 2026

Summary

Sepsis, life-threatening acute organ dysfunction due to infection, is a global health priorit with approximately 49 million cases and 13 million sepsis-related deaths each year. Beyond being acutely deadly, sepsis contributes to new and worsened physical, cognitive, and mental health problems in many survivors. Early identification and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines are intended to support clinicians caring for adult patients with sepsis, focusing on management in the hospital, the immediate prehospital setting, and the immediate post-hospital setting. These guidelines incorporate principles of antimicrobial stewardship through responsible antimicrobial use, proper diagnostic strategies, and de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy. The recommendations reflect evidence-based best practice, distilling a large body of research into actionable recommendations. They empower individuals and health systems to make informed choices about care and support improvements in management and outcomes of sepsis.

Further reading on the hub:

• Spotting the signs of sepsis: a series of short videos
• Top picks: 13 resources about sepsis