The gynecologist and multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS).

Multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS) has been alluded to since the early 1940s. It was recognized as a progressive failure to organs in the mid 1970s. Mortality from this syndrome increases proportionally, as the number of failed organs increases. Therapies to prevent MOFS and current concepts about treating failures of individual organs will be presented. Data sources were retrieved from critical care and surgical literature using MEDLINE from 1966 to the present. Searches were confined to English. Several promoters of MOFS are related to the care of gynecologic patients, especially sepsis and hemorrhage. Treatment strategies, especially those related to pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, and nutritional aspects are discussed. Outcome and prognosis may be affected if recognition and therapeutic intervention are initiated early in the clinical course. The ability to prognosticate outcome is related to the number of organs involved. Gynecologists should have clear knowledge of the prognosis of progressive organ failure in order to appropriately counsel the patient and her family.