An Overview of Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
Published: 31 May 2023
Published: 31 May 2023
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) carries a serious risk of mortality.
In order to prevent it from progressing to an irreversible stage, immediate detection and treatment are crucial (Procter 2022).
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is defined as the progressive physiological dysfunction of two or more organs or organ systems where homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention (Al-Khafaji 2020; Nickson 2020).
MODS is generally initiated by illness, injury or infection, causing a state of immunodepression and hypometabolism (Nickson 2020).
Rather than a single event, MODS is considered a continuum where the extent of dysfunction can vary greatly from mild impairment to irreversible failure (Al-Khafaji 2020).
Organs most commonly affected by MODS include the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys (Gu et al. 2018).
It is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, contributing to about 50% of deaths in intensive care units (Nickson 2020).
MODS is induced by illness, injury or infection that triggers a systemic inflammatory response (known as systemic inflammatory response syndrome), resulting in tissue injury (Nickson 2020).
Potential causes include:
(Nickson 2020)
(Nickson 2020)
(Nickson 2020)
In order to be diagnosed with MODS, the patient should be experiencing dysfunction of at least two organs (this may be mild or severe) in addition to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (Nickson 2020).
Organ dysfunction may present as:
(Nickson 2020)
The patient may display some of the following symptoms, depending on which organs are affected:
(Procter 2022)
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome is defined as two or more of the following:
(Boka 2020)
MODS is difficult to treat, escalates quickly and is often fatal. Therefore, early detection is crucial in preventing its progression (Wang et al. 2017).
Positive patient outcomes rely on immediate recognition, ICU admission and invasive organ support (Gourd & Nikitas 2019). Management and treatment may include:
(Nickson 2020; Chapalain 2019; Scala & Pisani 2018)
As a complication of an illness, injury or infection, MODS is difficult to prevent. Early recognition improves patient outcomes - this is the only way to prevent damage.
It is important to monitor patients closely and administer appropriate therapies to facilitate organ function (Al-Khafaji 2020).
While MODS itself is the complication of an underlying condition, it represents a spectrum of dysfunction and can rapidly increase in severity (Wang et al. 2017).
In the later stages of MODS, the affected organs may completely lose function (multiple organ failure). This carries a mortality risk of up to 80 to 96% and may not be reversible. Therefore, preventing MODS from progressing into organ failure is crucial (Wang et al. 2017).
If the patient becomes increasingly unwell, they may require intensive care admission and aggressive treatment to maximise organ function.
MODS is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if not addressed early. If a patient presents with MODS, escalate care as necessary and support the affected organs.
Note: This article is intended as a refresher and should not replace best-practice care. Always refer to your facility's policy on preventing and responding to deterioration and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Question 1 of 3
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is defined by the dysfunction of how many organ systems?