What Is Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)?

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), also known as multiorgan failure, is a disorder in which two or more organ systems are not working correctly, usually because of a complex cascade of events initiated by an illness, injury, or severe infection.

 MODS is a severe illness in which someone can die if the dysfunction is not treated immediately. Due to a high risk of death, people with MODS are typically cared for in an intensive care unit where healthcare providers can potentially reverse the organ damage.

This article discusses multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, including its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.