[Multiorgan failure].

The diagnosis of multiple organ failure is based upon the sequential occurrence of failure of vital organ functions within a short period of time (lung, kidney, circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, metabolism, hemostasis). Underlying diseases are polytrauma, high risk surgical procedures, acute abdominal complications. Sepsis is the main pathogenetic factor. The mortality is 60-80% and in patients with abdominal sepsis plus acute renal failure and dialysis plus acute lung failure and artificial ventilation up to 100%. Intensive care is therefore focussed upon prophylaxis, predominantly shock therapy and surgical treatment of sepsis.