Acute respiratory distress syndrome overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Brian Shaller, M.D. [2]
Overview
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), originally known as adult respiratory distress syndrome (to contrast with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome) is a serious and potentially life-threatening inflammatory lung condition that develops rapidly (usually within 24 to 48 hours) in the setting of sepsis, toxic exposures, adverse drug reactions, trauma, or other critical illnesses. ARDS is characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma resulting in increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, impaired gas exchange, and decreased lung compliance.
The vast majority of patients with ARDS are managed in an intensive care unit, and nearly all will require mechanical ventilation at some point during the course of their illness and recovery. ARDS may be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on the degree to which oxygenation is impaired; however, all levels of severity carry a high mortality rate if appropriate measures to improve oxygenation and minimize the risk of further lung injury are not taken.[1]
References
- ↑ ARDS Definition Task Force. Ranieri VM, Rubenfeld GD, Thompson BT, Ferguson ND, Caldwell E; et al. (2012). "Acute respiratory distress syndrome: the Berlin Definition". JAMA. 307 (23): 2526–33. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.5669. PMID 22797452.