Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Abstract

Death following severe injury or infection assumed a different clinical presentation beginning with the evolution of the intensive care unit (ICU) in acute care hospitals. An improved understanding of hypovolemic shock and techniques of resuscitation during the 1960s led to survival of patients with severe injuries beyond the initial 24 to 48 h. The evolution of ventilator support in combination with other organ support measures in the ICU permitted longer survival of the critically ill patient and the emergence of a new clinical syndrome-multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).1 © 2008 Springer New York.