General Information About Multiple Organ Failure
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where at least two previously healthy organ systems (such as the kidneys, heart, respiratory system, liver, etc.) become unable to perform their functions simultaneously or consecutively.
The most common cause is blood poisoning known as 'Sepsis' (severe infections). Additionally, traffic accidents (multiple traumas), severe burns, pancreatitis, and massive bleeding trigger this condition by putting the body into shock.
To fight the damage, the body triggers an uncontrolled inflammatory response. This response leads to clots and blockages in the microscopic blood vessels supplying the organs, causing the organs to become deprived of oxygen and eventually die.
Symptoms include loss of consciousness, complete cessation of urine output (kidneys), shortness of breath and low oxygen levels (lungs), blood pressure dropping near zero (heart), and yellowing of the skin (liver).
Yes, it is one of the most severe and highly life-threatening emergencies in medicine. As the number of failing organs increases, the mortality rate increases exponentially. A fully equipped intensive care unit is absolutely required.
The primary goal is to provide mechanical support in place of the failing organs (dialysis for kidneys, ventilator for lungs) while simultaneously eliminating the underlying problem (e.g., treating the infection with strong antibiotics).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
