Definition

A serious condition in which there is inflammation throughout the whole body. SIRS may be caused by an infection, trauma, surgery, ischemia (lack of blood supply to a part of the body), or certain conditions, such as an autoimmune disorder or pancreatitis. To be diagnosed with SIRS, a person must have two or more of the following: low or high body temperature, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and an abnormal white blood cell count. When SIRS occurs as a result of a known infection, it may be called sepsis. Sepsis can be severe or life threatening and lead to multiple organ failure and shock. Also called systemic inflammatory response syndrome.