| The multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is defined as "the presence of altered organ function in an acutely ill patient such that homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention". In people, MODS is most commonly a sequela to severe sepsis or septic shock, but it also develops secondary to trauma, neoplasia, or other causes of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The exact incidence of MODS is difficult to estimate because there is no true consensus as to the definition of each individual organ system dysfunction; however, it has been estimated that 15% of all people admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) will develop MODS and that MODS is responsible for 80% of all ICU deaths. The incidence of MODS in dogs with trauma is approximately 4%, while dogs with sepsis have an incidence of 50%; in both cases MODS is associated with a poor outcome. The following review will provide information regarding the history, pathophysiology and epidemiology of MODS and will then discuss how MODS manifests in each organ system. |
