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Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome pathogenesis and care: a complex systems' theory perspective

Elizabeth D E Papathanassoglou1, Evangelos Bozas, Margarita D Giannakopoulou

  • 1University of Athens, School of Nursing, Athens, Greece. elipapa@nurs.uoa.gr

Nursing in Critical Care
|September 26, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is viewed through complex systems theory. Patient responses in MODS align with chaotic systems principles, suggesting death is a self-organized phenomenon, not just homeostatic failure.

Area of Science:

  • Complex Systems Theory
  • Chaos Theory
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) is a severe critical illness complication.
  • Characterized by widespread aberrant molecular, cellular, and systemic responses.
  • Understanding MODS requires novel theoretical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine MODS using complex systems theory.
  • To develop a conceptual framework for MODS development and care.
  • To explore the implications of chaos theory for MODS management.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative literature review of MEDLINE and CINAHL databases.
  • Knowledge synthesis integrating complex systems and chaos theory.
  • Analysis of cellular and systemic response paradoxes in MODS.

Main Results:

  • The human body in critical illness is modeled as a complex adaptive system.
  • Principles of chaos theory (e.g., sensitive dependence, emergence, self-organization) are relevant to MODS.
  • The transition to death-related responses is a critical event in MODS.

Conclusions:

  • Patient responses in MODS demonstrate principles of chaotic systems.
  • Death in MODS may be a self-organized phenomenon, not solely homeostatic failure.
  • Applying complex systems theory can enhance conceptualization and care of MODS.

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