Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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To review multiple organ dysfunction syndrome with respect to: 1) clinical measurement systems; 2) molecular mechanisms; and 3) therapeutic directions based upon molecular mechanisms. ⋯ Multiple organ dysfunction may serve as useful measure of disease severity for risk adjustment and outcome marker for quality of care and therapy provided. Anesthesiologists treating shock patients will note the subsequent development of MODS in the critical care unit and may be required to provide anesthetic support to these patients.