title: Strategies to prevent organ failure.
abstract: The gastrointestinal tract and the generalized inflammatory response initiated by severe injury or infection have been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple-organ system failure. Once multiple-organ system failure has occurred, treatment focuses on supporting end-organ function. Recent studies have shown, however, that it may be possible to reduce the incidence and prevalence of multiple-organ system failure by controlling the reperfusion injury cascade, normalizing gastrointestinal blood flow and preserving the integrity of the gastrointestinal immune barrier.
authors.affiliation: Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: FitzGerald
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Civetta
authors.forename: O C
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: Kirton
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hudson-Civetta