New strategies in multiple organ dysfunction syndrometherapy for sepsis

Despite more than 20 years of extensive research, sepsis and/or trauma induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remain the chief cause of death in intensive care units, with mortality rates between 30% and 80%. Early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), use of drotrecogin alfa (activated), tight control of hyperglycaemia, and adrenal replacement therapy (low doses of corticosteroids), all constitute new treatment strategies. In future, a combination of therapies should be individually adjusted for each patient.