Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
10:08

Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model

Published on: April 18, 2011

Epidemiology of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critical surgical illness

P S Barie1, L J Hydo

  • 1Department of Surgery, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA. pbarie@mail.med.cornell.edu

Surgical Infections
|February 22, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a leading cause of death in surgical intensive care units. Current assessment methods have limitations, highlighting the need for better biological markers to predict patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Surgical Intensive Care
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a primary driver of morbidity and mortality in surgical intensive care units (SICUs).
  • Existing illness severity scores like APACHE III and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) aid in risk stratification for MODS and mortality.
  • Mortality in SICU patients is closely linked to the severity and number of organ systems affected by dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) in the context of surgical intensive care.
  • To identify the limitations in current methods for defining and quantifying organ dysfunction, particularly in specific organ systems.
  • To explore the potential of novel biological indicators for improved MODS assessment and prediction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) and its impact in surgical intensive care units (SICUs).
  • Analysis of the prognostic utility of established scoring systems like APACHE III and SIRS.
  • Examination of the challenges in defining organ dysfunction across various organ systems, including gastrointestinal, liver, and central nervous system.

Main Results:

  • Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remains the most significant factor for mortality in SICUs.
  • While illness severity scores and SIRS are useful, definitions for individual organ dysfunction, especially for the GI tract, liver, and CNS, are inadequate.
  • Mortality correlates with the overall severity and number of failing organ systems.

Conclusions:

  • Current definitions of organ dysfunction in MODS are insufficient, hindering accurate patient assessment.
  • There is a critical need for improved methods to quantify organ dysfunction, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and central nervous system.
  • Biological indicators show promise as future markers for more accurate MODS assessment and prediction of patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness09:17

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness

Published on: May 2, 2017

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies10:38

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies

Published on: January 16, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, 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...
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...