What is multiple organ failure? What causes it?

Multiple organ dysfunction, or in other words, multiple organ failure, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when more than one organ loses its function suddenly or gradually. If these organs include those that are vital, emergency intervention is necessary.

Organs that are critical for the body to function properly include the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, lungs, and small intestines. Dysfunction in one or more of these organs can lead to serious problems in the body.

The loss of function in more than one organ indicates multiple organ failure. In this case, multiple medical interventions such as life support and organ transplantation may be required. If early intervention is not performed, the results can be much more serious.

Conditions that lead to the development of multiple organ failure are generally associated with trauma or serious infections. Additionally, some chronic diseases can also cause this condition over time.

WHAT CAUSES MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE?

Factors such as infections, traumatic injuries, toxic effects, surgical procedures, accidents, increased metabolic rate, chronic diseases, and blood/oxygen loss are factors that can lead to multiple organ failure. If these factors are not brought under control, multiple organ failure can have serious and life-threatening consequences.

Causes that can lead to multiple organ failure can be listed as follows:

Infection (sepsis)

Traumatic injury

Toxic injury (illicit substances, environmental toxins)

Increased metabolic rate

Chronic diseases

Blood/oxygen loss

Severe pneumonia

SYMPTOMS OF MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE

Common symptoms of multiple organ failure include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, fever, chills, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, skin discoloration, and edema in the feet.

These symptoms may vary depending on which organs are affected by the organ failure.

Common symptoms that may be seen in multiple organ failure are as follows:

Shortness of breath

Irregular heart rate

Nausea and vomiting

Extreme fatigue

Fever

Chills

Abdominal bloating

Abdominal pain

Chest pain

Jaundice (liver failure)

Edema in the feet

Source: Memorial