Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction that results from the body's response to infection. It requires prompt recognition, appropriate antibiotics, careful hemodynamic support, and control of the source of infection. With the trend in management moving away from protocolized care in favor of appropriate usual care, an understanding of sepsis physiology and best practice guidelines is critical. KEY POINTSTools such as the Systemic Infl ammatory Response Syndrome criteria and the quick version of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment can help with early diagnosis and triage.The initial antibiotic should be broad-spectrum, based on local sensitivity patterns, with daily assessment of appropriate antibiotic de-escalation and cessation.Resuscitation with initial fl uid boluses should be followed by weighing benefi ts and risks of additional fl uid administration based on dynamically assessed volume status, and then aggressive fl uid removal during recovery.During resuscitation, a goal mean arterial pressure of 65 mm Hg is preferred, using norepinephrine (with vasopressin if needed) to achieve it.Glucocorticoids are not recommended if fl uid resuscitation and vasopressors are suffi cient to restore hemodynamic stability.

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Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by polyomavirus John Cunningham (JC) virus. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented 16 months after right single lung transplant with worsening memory, behavioral problems, emotional lability, and progressive left upper extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed white matter changes suggestive of PML. JC virus infection was confirmed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from both the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and cerebrospinal fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCR isolation of JC virus from a BAL specimen. We also review the two additional cases in the literature that describe PML after lung transplantation. JC virus infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lung transplant recipients who develop neurological symptoms. BAL may have a role in the etiologic diagnosis of PML after lung transplantation.

To highlight a potentially fatal complication of broncho-vascular fistula arising from the self expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement. We retrospectively analyzed five patients with benign and malignant airway diseases, who developed tracheo/broncho-vascular fistulas following SEMS placement in our tertiary care setting. All patients received either Wallstent or Ultraflex® stent (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) between 1999 and 2007. All patients had received adjunct therapy such as balloon bronchoplasty, laser therapy or electrocautery. Most patients presented with massive hemoptysis. A total of 483 SEMS were placed during this period. SEMS placement can be complicated by Broncho-vascular fistula formation. True incidence and precise time interval between the insertion of stent and onset of this complication is unknown. Additional therapeutic modalities to maintain stent patency may enhance the risk of fistula formation. SEMS should only be used in a select sub-group of patients, after exhaustive evaluation of other treatment options. These cases provide evidence that broncho-vascular fistulas can develop at any time following SEMS placement, suggesting the need for a more cautious approach, especially while using them for a long term management. In benign airway disease, the stent should be removed as soon as healing has taken place.