ICU Map

Acute Cholangitis & Biliary Sepsis ICU Pathway

Recognition, antibiotics, resuscitation and urgent biliary source control for severe cholangitis and septic shock

RecognizeAssessDecideDifferentialInterveneReassess
Acute Cholangitis & Biliary Sepsis
Assessment StepStabilize physiology and identify the reversible driverExplore Topic
Fever, jaundice and RUQ pain may be incomplete in critically ill patients. Use liver tests and imaging to identify cholestasis/obstruction while simultaneously assessing organ dysfunction and sepsis severity.
Clinical ActionDeliver disease-specific therapy and source control
Use balanced crystalloid, norepinephrine for persistent hypotension and standard sepsis organ support. Persistent obstruction means antibiotics alone may fail.

An educational representation of clinical reasoning, not a diagnostic algorithm or personalized medical advice — always apply clinical judgment and institutional protocols.

Caution

Escalate — Red Flags & Critical Warnings

  • Do not allow diagnostic testing to delay immediate stabilization or time-critical definitive therapy.

Related Bedside Clinical Problems (1)

Bedside Presentations
Acute Cholangitis & Biliary Sepsis — Bedside Problem

Recognition, antibiotics, resuscitation and urgent biliary source control for severe cholangitis and septic shock

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Linked Deep-Dive Topics (1)

Reference Knowledge
Acute Cholangitis & Biliary Sepsisgi-hepatic

Recognition, antibiotics, resuscitation and urgent biliary source control for severe cholangitis and septic shock

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Evidence status

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