Can systemic inflammatory response syndrome occur in the absence of infection?

Yes: Sirs represents an inflammatory response that has 'gone out of control, ' and is defined usually by vital signs abnorms and abn's in the blood count. Can occur with autoimmune problems, pancreatitis, burns, other physiological insults. If an infection is detected (with cultures, or clinically), then we refer to it as sepsis. Docs will sometimes use terms loosely, leading to some confusion.