title: A contemporary review of multiple organ failure.
abstract: MOF or MOSF is a serious condition that represents a leading cause of death in critically ill or injured patients. It commonly begins as a result of injury, widespread inflammation, infection, shock or a combination of the above. Progression from SIRS to MOSD and on to MOF can occur within days. Therefore, careful systemic monitoring of respiratory, cardiovascular central nervous, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal and hematologic function is vital. Although certain mechanisms such as decreased O2 supply to cells, neutrophil priming, increased TNF-alpha, interleukins, and NO have been implicated, an effective treatment for this condition remains elusive. The anesthesiologist and critical care professionals must work together to effectively evaluate and treat the MOF patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. alan.kaye@ttuhsc.edu
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: Jason M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hoover
authors.forename: Amir R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Baluch
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy