Dictionary.net

A systemic response to infection, defined as hypothermia or hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, a clinically evident focus of infection or positive blood cultures, one or more end organs with either dysfunction or inadequate perfusion, cerebral dysfunction, hypoxemia, increased plasma lactate or unexplained metabolic acidosis, and oliguria. It is one of the most common causes of adult respiratory distress syndrome (RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME, ADULT). (Segen, Dictionary of Modern Medicine, 1992) While usually related to infection, it can also be associated with noninfectious insults such as trauma, burns, pancreatitis. (JAMA 1995;273 (2):155-6)