Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS) emerged as a new syndrome about 30 years ago as a result of the ability to keep patients alive with advanced medical technology. Despite intensive investigation, it remains the main cause of deaths in the
intensive care unit today.
MODS was presumed to be caused by various pathophysiologic conditions. The epidemiology and pathophysiology include infectious mode 1 and 2, 1-hit and 2-hit models, dysfunctional inflammatory response, impaired oxygen consumption, xanthine
oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen metabolites, neutrophil chemotaxis, polymorphonuclear neutrophil adherence, gut hypothesis, and immunosuppression from blood transfusion.
Unfortunately, once MODS develops, our current understanding of the inflammatory response is inadequate to manage the condition. Our only recourse is to control the source of inflammation, support the failing organs, provide nutritional support,
and
prevent further iatrogenic injury.
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