Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

McCance and Huether (2014) defined Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) as a continuum of physiologic derangements characterized by dynamic alterations of two or more organs’ function in a state of critical illness. As the name indicates, MODS is a syndrome and not a specific health condition since it involves various organs. In the past, “multiple organ failure” was the term used to describe the condition until it became apparent that it was misleading since normal physiological function of these organs could be restored—a temporary organ dysfunction. MODS usually affect multiple organs in addition to immune, hematological, and endocrine system—which are mainly physiological systems. In this regard, MODS connote an altered organ function in a patient who is in critical health state and who requires both medical and nursing interventions to restore homeostasis—normal health status and organ function (McCance & Huether, 2014).

Etiology and Pathogenesis of MODS

The pathophysiology of MODS is not very well understood although various hypotheses on the
Prolonged tissue hypoxia causes depletion of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which is an energy storage molecule. Consequently, cells disintegrate –typical of necrosis—as energy fall below critical levels for organ function. Inadequate oxygenation is quite common in patients with acute lung injury and sepsis (Baue, Faist, & Fry, 2012). Another example is cardiac arrest and hemorrhagic shock which are easily managed, for example, with red blood cells transfusion and resuscitation for cardiac arrest. While many randomized control studies have supported systemic and tissue hypoxia as an important factor in MODS pathophysiology, it is not the only variable since some patients may develop MODS without necessarily experiencing decreased oxygen