MULTIPLE ORGAN DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME IN SU STAINED TACHYCARDIA - A REPORT ON 4 CASES

The multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is mainly caused by sep sis - community acquired or more frequently by nosocomial infections a cquired on the intensive care unit. Further causes are intoxications, burns and multiple trauma. MODS worsens the prognosis of intensive car e patients. We report on four cases of MODS developing outside hospita l as a result of sustained tachycardia. Severity of MODS was apparentl y dependent on the duration of tachycardia and was rapidly reversible after termination of the tachycardia. Our observations show that susta ined tachycardia may also cause MODS.