A dangerous and potentially fatal type of SEPSIS characterised by a severe fall in blood pressure, damage to body tissues and interference with normal METABOLISM. Bacterial toxins and/or proteins produced in response by the immune system (immune complexes) cause widespread damage to tissue, provoke clotting in small blood vessels, and seriously disturb the circulation. The kidneys, lungs and heart are particularly affected. The symptoms are those of SEPTICAEMIA, coupled with those of SHOCK: cold, cyanotic limbs; fast, thready pulse; and a lowered blood pressure. It requires urgent treatment with ANTIBIOTICS, large volumes of intravenous fluids, oxygen, drugs to maintain blood pressure and cardiac function, artificial ventilation and/or renal DIALYSIS.