Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) following multiple trauma: rationale and concept of therapeutic approach.

The multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) represents the number one cause of death in surgical intensive care units. It is divided into a primary and a secondary MODS based on time of manifestation and pathophysiologic events which attribute to it. The therapy of the primary MODS includes sufficient and quick resuscitation, adequate oxygen delivery and early enteral nutrition to reduce or avoid the incidence of bacterial translocation. In addition, a reduction of the "antigenic load" by control of hemorrhage, radical wound debridement, decompression, and fixation of long bone fractures appears to be effective in reducing the occurrence of MODS. The treatment of the secondary MODS remains supportive and its prevention is essential. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical significance of new therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies or cytokine receptor antagonists.