Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Pediatric Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
R Scott Watson1, Sheri S Crow, Mary E Hartman
11Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA. 2Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 3Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, Rochester, MN. 4Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. 5Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada. 6Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Insights
Pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is common in PICU patients, often caused by sepsis, and leads to significant short-term harm. Further research is needed to understand long-term outcomes and improve quality of life for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Pediatric intensive care
- Multisystem organ failure
Background:
- Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a significant concern in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
- Understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric MODS is crucial for improving patient care.
- Current knowledge is limited by inconsistent definitions and varied study populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology and outcomes of children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
- To identify knowledge gaps and research priorities related to pediatric MODS.
- To inform strategies for improving treatment and recovery for critically ill children.
Main Methods:
- A workshop convened experts to discuss epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric MODS.
- Methods included literature review, research data synthesis, and expert opinion.
- Discussions focused on identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities.
Main Results:
- Pediatric MODS affects up to 57% of PICU patients, with sepsis as the leading cause.
- The syndrome is associated with substantial short-term morbidity and mortality.
- Long-term outcomes are not well-studied but are presumed to carry high risks.
Conclusions:
- Inconsistent definitions hinder a full understanding of pediatric MODS epidemiology and outcomes.
- Characterizing long-term outcomes is essential for developing better treatments and improving quality of life.
- The workshop highlighted the need for standard definitions and identification of modifiable factors.
Objective:
To summarize the epidemiology and outcomes of children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome as part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development multiple organ dysfunction syndrome workshop (March 26-27, 2015).
Data Sources:
Literature review, research data, and expert opinion.
Study Selection:
Not applicable.
Data Extraction:
Moderated by an experienced expert from the field, issues relevant to the epidemiology and outcomes of children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were presented, discussed, and debated with a focus on identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities.
Data Synthesis:
Summary of presentations and discussion supported and supplemented by the relevant literature.
Conclusions:
A full understanding the epidemiology and outcome of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children is limited by inconsistent definitions and populations studied. Nonetheless, pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is common among PICU patients, occurring in up to 57% depending on the population studied; sepsis remains its leading cause. Pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome leads to considerable short-term morbidity and mortality. Long-term outcomes of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in children have not been well studied; however, studies of adults and children with other critical illnesses suggest that the risk of long-term adverse sequelae is high. Characterization of the long-term outcomes of pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is crucial to identify opportunities for improved treatment and recovery strategies that will improve the quality of life of critically ill children and their families. The workshop identified important knowledge gaps and research priorities intended to promote the development of standard definitions and the identification of modifiable factors related to its occurrence and outcome.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
01:26Methods of Documentation II: POMR
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
01:24Tissue Transplantation
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention