**7. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome**

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) is a potentially life-threatening condition and is a major cause of high mortality in the intensive care unit reaching a range of 11–54% in septic pediatric patients [4]. It is defined as the 'development of potentially reversible physiological derangement involving two or more organ systems not involved in the disorder that resulted in ICU admission" and is a result of persisting states of shock, sepsis and hypoperfusion [4]. Most often, it is the end stage in the progression of septic shock and commonly affects the lungs, myocardium and

*Shock Pathophysiology: Classifications and Management DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105506*

brain before other organs. It is believed that the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines is key in inducing damage. Increased capillary leakage in the lungs causing pulmonary edema and surfactant loss, increased circulating nitrous oxide causing myocardial dysfunction and disturbances in the blood–brain barrier are all mechanisms thought to induce damage to these organs [4].
