Question

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a serious and life-threatening condition occurring in persons who are critically ill or injured. Discuss the syndrome in your own words.

Answer 1

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)

Definition

             Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is defined as the development of reversible derangements in the individual’s organs and as a result there will be an alteration the functions of the organs which may vary from mild organ dysfunction to complete irreversible organ failure. Lungs are the most often the first organ of MODS.

Causes

      Causes of MODS include:

· Any type of illness

· Injury

· Infection

· Hypermetabolism

· Burns

· Pancreatitis

· Shock

· Poisoning

· Aspiration syndromes

· Blood transfusions

· Acute heart failure

Signs and symptoms

      Signs and symptoms of MODS include:

· Elevated body temperature

· Increased heart rate at rest

· Raised breath rate

· Increased amount of white blood cells

· Decrease in renal perfusion

· Decreased cardiac function

· Acute respiratory distress syndrome

· Gastrointestinal dysfunction

· Hepatic dysfunction

· Decreased cardiac output

· Altered mental state

· Cardiomyopathy

· Encephalopathy

Treatment

· Identify and treat the underlying causes for MODS initially

· Adequate fluid resuscitation

· mechanical ventilation or non-invasive ventilation to support

· Multiple organ support to be provided

· Renal replacement therapy

· Maintain fluid haemostasis

Prevention

· Reduce the risk for MODS by early implementation of care

· Regular blood tests should be performed

· Maintain an accurate fluid balance chart