CURRENT STRATEGIES IN THE EARLY MANAGEMENT OF SEPTIC SHOCK: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Septic shock is the most severe manifestation of sepsis and is characterized by circulatory, cellular, and metabolic dysfunction associated with high mortality despite advances in intensive care. Early recognition and prompt implementation of therapeutic measures are essential to improve patient outcomes. In recent years, advances in biomarkers, clinical risk stratification, and evidence-based management protocols have contributed to more accurate diagnosis and optimized treatment strategies. This study aimed to gather and discuss the most recent scientific evidence regarding current strategies for the early management of septic shock. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, employing the descriptors "Septic Shock", "Early Diagnosis", and "Treatment", combined with the Boolean operator AND. Observational studies, systematic reviews, and controlled clinical trials published between 2021 and 2026 were included, while duplicate articles, studies unrelated to the proposed topic, and those without full-text availability were excluded. The analyzed studies demonstrated that early diagnosis, combined with biomarker assessment, prompt antibiotic therapy, source control, and protocol-based hemodynamic resuscitation, reduces mortality and improves clinical outcomes. It is concluded that evidence-based strategies promote earlier, individualized, and more effective management of septic shock.