What are the four SIRS criteria?

Temperature >38°C or 90/min; Respiratory rate >20/min or PaCO2 12,000/mm³, 10% bands; ≥2 criteria = SIRS; SIRS + suspected infection = sepsis (Sepsis-1 definition).

Is SIRS still clinically useful despite its limitations?

SIRS remains useful for identifying non-infectious inflammatory states (pancreatitis, trauma, ARDS); for sepsis identification, Sepsis-3 qSOFA/SOFA has replaced SIRS; SIRS is too sensitive (non-specific) for sepsis.

What non-infectious conditions cause SIRS?

Pancreatitis, major surgery, burns, trauma, transfusion reactions, anaphylaxis, myocardial infarction, ARDS, and malignancy all cause SIRS without infection; SIRS alone is not diagnostic of sepsis.

What is the progression from SIRS to septic shock?

SIRS → Sepsis (SIRS + infection, old definition) → Severe sepsis (SIRS + organ failure, now abandoned) → Septic shock (vasopressor-dependent hypotension); Sepsis-3 eliminated severe sepsis category.

Can SIRS be used to guide antibiotic therapy?

SIRS alone should not trigger empiric antibiotics; clinical assessment for infectious source is essential; blood cultures and lactate first; antibiotics only when infection is clinically suspected alongside SIRS criteria.

SIRS Criteria Calculator (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome)

Evaluates SIRS criteria (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell count) for identification of systemic inflammatory response and sepsis risk stratification in context of suspected infection.

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SIRS Criteria Calculator (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four SIRS criteria?

Is SIRS still clinically useful despite its limitations?

What non-infectious conditions cause SIRS?

What is the progression from SIRS to septic shock?

Can SIRS be used to guide antibiotic therapy?