Fig. 2
From: Cytokine removal in human septic shock: Where are we and where are we going?
Balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. a Following an initial (infectious) insult (A), normally after correct (antibiotic) treatment the antagonistic forces of pro-inflammation (B), and anti-inflammation (C) regain balance (grey area shows net effects) maintaining healthy homeostasis (D), that will lead to recovery and survival (E). Adapted from Pfortmueller et al. with permission (Open Access CC BY Licence 4.0) Intensive Care Medicine Experimental (2017) 5:49 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40635-017-0163-0. b Following an (infectious) insult (A), during a dysregulated host response the pro-inflammatory (B) forces initially overwhelm anti-inflammation (C) resulting in an imbalance (D), followed by immunosuppression and increased anti-inflammatory mediators (grey area shows net effects). With different therapeutic interventions recovery (E) can be obtained or delayed (E’) or the patient can evolve into a state of persistent immunosupression or paralysis. Adapted from Pfortmueller et al. with permission (Open Access CC BY Licence 4.0) Intensive Care Medicine Experimental (2017) 5:49 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40635-017-0163-0