Clinical Experiences of Multiple Organ Failure after Surgery for Acquired Cardiovascular Disease

A serious problem after cardiovascular surgery known as Multiple Organ Failure[MOF] whereby several vital organs successively demonstrate dysfunction in spite of intensive postoperative treatment has recently arisen. We have made a retrospective study of the clinical records of 137 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery during past two years [1987-1988]. Fourteen patients [10%] developed multi-organ failure postoperatively with the results of seven death [50%]. In fatal group, preoperative poor cardiac function [Cardiac Index<2.0L/min/m2] was considered important prognostic factor and infection 5 disseminated intravascular coagulation complicating gastrointestinal bleeding were the leading cause of death. In conclusion, evaluation of multiple factors concerning multi-organ failure demonstrates preoperative poor functional preservation of vital organs is the main factor. So early diagnosis k management for each of the failing organs & prevention of infection are mandatory of the treatment of these critically ill patients.