[Mechanisms and evaluation of multiple organ and system failure after trauma]

Multiple organ failure (MOF) is a major cause of death of ICU trauma patients. Despite intensive clinical and experimental investigation, the exact physiopathology of this syndrome is unclear. Although diverse cellular and humoral mediators have been identified, their mechanistic role is still debated. In this article the authors discuss recent results of this investigation. They present recently published criteria for MOF quantification, and focus on the mechanisms and mediators of MOF syndrome, emphasizing the role of sepsis, the intestinal ischemia/reperfusion MOF model, the role of polymorphonuclear neutrophil, and the relationship between adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the development of MOF syndrome.