Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
10:08

Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model

Published on: April 18, 2011

Multiple organ failure still a major cause of morbidity but not mortality in blunt multiple trauma

D Nast-Kolb1, M Aufmkolk, S Rucholtz

  • 1Department of Trauma Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany.

The Journal of Trauma
|November 14, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mortality from multiple organ failure (MOF) after blunt trauma has significantly decreased over 25 years, despite unchanged incidence. Severe head injury is now the leading cause of death in trauma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Multiple organ failure (MOF) is a major complication and cause of mortality following blunt multiple trauma.
  • While ARDS-related mortality has decreased, data on posttraumatic MOF mortality trends are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the trends in MOF-related death over a 25-year period in patients with blunt multiple trauma.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of blunt multiple trauma patients (ISS > 15) from 1975-1999, divided into five time periods.
  • Outcome measures included death, cause of death, and ICU length of stay; patients dying within 24 hours were excluded.

Main Results:

  • Overall mortality significantly decreased from 28.7% to 13.9%.
  • MOF-related mortality significantly decreased from 18.0% to 4.1%, with single organ failure deaths becoming rare.
  • The mean age of patients dying from MOF increased from 44 to 63 years.

Conclusions:

  • MOF-related mortality has significantly declined in severe trauma patients, despite stable MOF incidence.
  • Severe brain injury has emerged as the primary cause of death in intensive care unit patients with severe multiple injuries.

Related Concept Videos

Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...