Final answer:
Sepsis and severe sepsis can indeed be associated with non-infectious conditions when a severe inflammatory response, regardless of its cause, becomes dysregulated leading to organ dysfunction and systemic complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, sepsis and severe sepsis can be associated with non-infectious conditions. While bacteria are the most common pathogens linked to the development of sepsis and septic shock, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that leads to sepsis can also be triggered by non-infectious events such as trauma, burns, pancreatitis, or immune-mediated reactions. Essentially, any severe inflammatory response that becomes dysregulated can result in organ dysfunction and sepsis. A key factor in the progression to sepsis is the excessive and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which can cause vascular permeability, leading to widespread edema, a decrease in blood pressure, blood clots, and ultimately, multiple organ failure and death.