Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome - Definition and Overview

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome - M.O.D.S. (previously known as multiple organ failure) is altered organ function in an acutely ill patient requiring medical intervention to maintain homeostasis.

M.O.D.S. is the progressive impairment of two or more organ systems from an uncontrolled inflammatory response to a severe illness or injury. Sepsis and septic shock are the most common causes of MODS, with MODS being the end stage. (The progression from infection to sepsis to septic shock to MODS is known as systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or SIRS). See also:

• acute renal failure
• heart failure
• respiratory failure
• liver failure