Multi-organ dysfunction in the critically ill: epidemiology, pathophysiology and management.

6 demonstrates the frequency of organ dysfunction in the ICU popula- tion. Initial neurological dysfunction (mean time from ICU admission, 1.6 days) was followed by respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, coagulation and, finally, hepatic (mean 4.9 days) dysfunc- tion. Cardiovascular and renal failure had the highest impact on mortality (odds ratio, 1.68 and 1.46, respectively).