What is a key clinical manifestation of sepsis?

Hypotension is a key clinical manifestation of sepsis because it indicates a significant drop in blood pressure, which can lead to inadequate blood flow to vital organs. In sepsis, the body's response to an infection causes systemic inflammation, which can result in vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and ultimately, a decrease in blood volume circulating effectively within the arteries. This reduced blood pressure can be a critical indicator of septic shock, a severe complication of sepsis, and can lead to multi-organ failure if not promptly addressed.

While fever is also commonly associated with sepsis due to the body's inflammatory response to infection, hypotension specifically highlights the impaired cardiovascular status that is a hallmark of severe sepsis. Rapid weight gain and chronic cough are generally not direct manifestations of sepsis and do not reflect the underlying physiological disturbances that occur during this critical condition. Therefore, recognizing hypotension as a central clinical sign of sepsis is vital for timely diagnosis and intervention in patients who may be experiencing this life-threatening condition.