Multiple system organ failure.

Multiple system organ failure represents the final common pathway to a fatal outcome in severely infected patients. Despite the development of extensive support technology, the mortality rate in this group of patients remains high: in excess of 50 per cent. This rate underscores the need for newer treatment modalities. Numerous mediators/effectors appear to play a role in the complex evolution of the process. The independent and interactive effects of these numerous mediators/effectors remain to be elucidated. Future therapies will need to address immunomodulation of the host and biochemical manipulation of the fundamental process before significant improvement in outcome can be expected.