Multiple organ failure (MOF) has plagued surgical intensive care units (ICUs) for nearly 5 decades. MOF was first described as a syndrome of progressive organ failure leading to early death that most often occurred after sepsis (principally from intra-abdominal infections…
Historical perspective Pediatric surgeons closing omphaloceles have long recognized the lethal combination of pulmonary compromise and impaired renal function caused by increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP). Silo closure with gradual reduction of abdominal defect was recommended to prevent fulminant organ failure.…
Definition Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs fail to oxygenate the arterial blood adequately and/or fail to prevent carbon dioxide retention. Although the definition does not contain any absolute values, an arterial O 2 of less than 60 mmHg and…