Sepsis is one of the most challenging conditions with an exceptionally high mortality rate. Diastolic Dysfunction is common in septic patients and has been found to be associated with mortality. However, the reasons for this remain unclear. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate diastolic dysfunction in septic patients on the intensive care unit. Special attention is paid to the presence of lung edema and general edema as a potential link between diastolic dysfunction and elevated mortality in septic patients. During the septic phase daily ultrasound examinations of heart and lung will be performed as to monitor diastolic function and lung edema.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients on the intensive care unit diagnosed with SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) or Sepsis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with hemodynamically relevant cardiac defects.
• Patients with mitral valve replacement.
• Patients with pericardial effusion.
• Patients with atrial fibrillation.
• Patients with pacemaker therapy.
• Patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2.
• Patients with poor examination conditions for ultrasound.

Patients on the intensive care unit of the university hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf diagnosed with sepsis.