Medical management of patients with multiple organ dysfunction arising from acute radiation syndrome

The growing risk of accidental and intentional radiation exposure mandates an examination of our current understanding and management of a significant radiation injury. A considerable number of those patients sustaining a significant body exposure will require treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). This review examines the complex medical management of acute radiation syndrome and the potential role of modern intensive supportive care measures in patients suffering from subsequent multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. As with most radiation preparedness planning, the resource expenditures in the ICU are scenario-driven. In particular, a mass casualty scenario mandates early estimation of prognosis in order to direct resources to patients who are most likely to have a survivable radiation exposure at the time of ICU admission.