Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in Children With Sepsis: Role of Genetic Factors

This review summarizes current knowledge on the impact of genetic markers on susceptibility, severity, and outcome of acute inflammatory disorders in children, with a special focus on systemic infections. A 14-year-old child with Neisseria meningitides bacteremia, complicated by septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction, is discussed as an exemplary case, and linked to the application of genetic epidemiology and the study of common disorders in children. The current pertinent literature is comprehensively reviewed and limitations and future directions are discussed.