What is Multiple Organ Failure?

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

• favorite0Like

  favoriteBe the First to Like

  • Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  Share

Multiple organ failure, also known as Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS), is a serious medical condition leading to the malfunction of all the organs in the human body. Untreated, this condition can be fatal.

Because of the high risk of mortality, patients with multiple organ failure are treated in an intensive care unit where doctors aim to reverse the damage.  Some of the most common causes of MODs include traumatic injury, chronic illness and severe infections. 

We will discuss more causes in detail and also cover the signs and symptoms, diagnostics and tests and the treatment options of MODs. Let’s begin.

What Causes Multiple Organ Failure ?

Numerous factors can lead to multiple organ failure including genetic factors, underlying chronic illnesses, traumatic injuries, and infections. Although the exact mechanism contributing to this condition is still unknown , experts consider chronic inflammation in the body and decreased blood flow to be the two major factors. 

During a chronic illness, the body undergoes multiple stresses. The first hit is the inciting event, such as a severe accident or injury. The second one involves the immune system’s reaction to address the problem.

Finally, the third stress occurs when the individual develops an infection following the inciting event or requires surgery. MOD occurs not only due to the inciting events but a series of events that involves multiple organs. Examples of such conditions include severe burns, major physical trauma, heart attack, pancreatitis, heat illness, and sepsis. 

What are the Symptoms of Multiple Organ Failure?

Since MODs affect multiple organs of your body, its symptoms vary depending on the affected organ. However, some common symptoms of the condition include:

• Extreme weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills 
• Difficulty concentrating and confusion 
• Fast heartbeat 
• Quick breathing
• Abdominal swelling
• Jaundice
• Blue or gray/white tint to your skin, tongue, lips and nails 
• Long lasting chest pain 
• Loss of consciousness
• Swelling in hands and feet 

If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, it’s highly advisable to consult a healthcare provider before they worsen. They will suggest some tests that would help them diagnose your condition. 

How to Diagnose Multiple Organ Failure? 

There are multiple tests to diagnose MODs. Most commonly used tests to determine multiple organ failure in your body including  blood tests, liver function tests, kidney function tests, blood and tissue cultures, arterial blood gas, echocardiogram and imaging tests including ultrasound and computed tomography scan. 

Multiple Organ Failure Treatment

Like signs and symptoms, treatment of multiple organ failure also varies depending on the affected organ. Some treatment options include: IV Fluids

IV Fluids are specially prepared liquids that are injected in veins to enhance the blood flow levels in the body. They are free of any complications, hence are considered one of the safest treatment options for multiple organ failure patients. These are highly recommended for individuals who are dehydrated from heat and exercise, have suffered severe injuries, or are undergoing surgery. 

Blood Transfusion

Individuals with and that causes anemia such as leukemia or kidney disease are the common recipients of blood transfusions. It compensates for the blood loss that occurs due to severe injuries or surgery. The blood typically comes from donors who are asked potential questions about their health and travel history. Then, if they pass the requirements, they can donate blood. Since blood banks ensure safe transfusions, you’re not likely to develop diseases from transfusion. 

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen Therapy is considered an effective treatment for individuals suffering from emphysema, sleep apnea, COPD and COVID-19. This therapy involves supplying 

additional oxygen except the air you breathe. Although this can’t cure a respiratory problem, it helps in providing the necessary oxygen to your body that is required to ensure proper functioning of organs and tissues. 

Mechanical Ventilation

This type of treatment comes in when your lungs stop working. It's a form of life support that helps you breathe when you can not breathe on your own. While it cannot directly treat illness, it can help in stabilizing you when you’re going through other medications and treatments that help your body recover. 

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are powerful medications that are used to successfully clear bacterial infections from your body and fastens your recovery. They function by eradicating bacteria, preventing them from further spreading in the body. 

Dialysis

This is considered an effective treatment for kidney failure. In this condition, kidneys fail to achieve effective blood filtration. As a result, toxins and waste get accumulated in your bloodstream. Dialysis helps in removing the excessive fluid and waste from your blood. So, in a way dialysis treatment works as an effective replacement for kidneys. 

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) 

ECMO is a type of artificial life support that works in favor of individuals whose lungs and heart fail to function properly. During this process, the blood gets continuously pumped out of your body to a heart-lung machine. This machine further removes carbon dioxide from the blood and sends oxygen-rich blood back to the body. 

Parenteral Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition is a method by which individuals can receive the necessary nutrients in their body through their veins. This type of treatment is given to those individuals whose digestive system does not function at optimum levels due to condition. One of the primary advantages of this type of treatment is that your gastrointestinal system gets a chance to heal from severe illness or surgery. 

Recovery 

The recovery of multiple organ failure is dependent on the affected organ, underlying causes and treatment. Therefore, it’s better to seek guidance from your healthcare provider to know about the recovery period post treatment. 

Bottom line

Multiple Organ Failure is a life threatening condition that needs timely medical attention.  Thankfully, medical science has tremendously evolved over the years, opening pathways for proper treatment of serious illnesses. 

As we’re in the verse to end this article, we hope the information shared will help you know better about the condition. Not to forget, the treatment of MODs can be expensive. Therefore, having a health insurance plan can save you from the overwhelming expenses resulting in unnecessary financial burden. Plan your finances today and stay protected! 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential when purchasing health insurance. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.