multiorganische

Multiorganische is a medical term used to describe involvement or dysfunction of more than one organ system in a patient. In clinical practice it is often connected with the broader concept of multiple organ dysfunction, sometimes referred to as MODS. The term emphasizes that several organs are affected simultaneously or sequentially as part of a systemic illness.

Typical causes include severe infections such as sepsis, major trauma, pancreatitis, burns or other conditions that trigger a systemic inflammatory response. Pathophysiology involves widespread inflammation, endothelial damage, microcirculatory disturbances and impaired tissue perfusion, which together contribute to progressive organ impairment.

Organs commonly involved extend across several systems. The respiratory system may develop acute respiratory distress, the cardiovascular system may experience shock or reduced cardiac output, the kidneys can suffer acute injury, the liver may show dysfunction, hematologic changes such as coagulopathy can occur, and the nervous system may present encephalopathy. The specific pattern and sequence of organ involvement can vary between patients and underlying diseases.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment combined with laboratory data and organ-specific scoring. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is frequently used to quantify the extent of organ dysfunction. MODS is typically defined by the dysfunction of two or more organ systems and carries a higher risk of mortality as more organs fail.

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and aggressive supportive care in an intensive care setting. This includes appropriate infection control, hemodynamic support, respiratory support, renal replacement therapy when needed, and nutritional and metabolic management. Early recognition and comprehensive management improve outcomes.