Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Clin Med (Lond). 2016 Dec;16(Suppl 6):s66-s70. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.16-6-s66.

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a common cause of acute respiratory failure that is underdiagnosed both inside and outside of intensive care units. Progression to the most severe forms of the syndrome confers a mortality rate greater than 40% and is associated with often severe functional disability and psychological sequelae in survivors. While there are no disease-modifying pharmacotherapies for the syndrome, this progression may be prevented through the institution of quality improvement measures that minimise iatrogenic injury associated with acute severe illness.

Keywords: ARDS; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; acute respiratory failure; critical illness; ventilator-associated lung injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome*
  • Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury