NONCARDIAC PULMONARY-EDEMA, NEWER ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS - AN UPDATE

Accidental spread of potentially toxic gases, fumes, and particulate c hemicals has been reported recently in various cities throughout the c ountry and appears to be on the increase throughout the world in the p ast few years. Moreover, cerebral trauma, septic shock (ARDS), and env ironmental pulmonary edema from drug intoxication have been commonly e ncountered. Newer modalities of treatment include earlier fiber optic bronchoscopy, constant positive airway pressure mask, administration o f surfactant, pentoxifylline, and use of newer experimental agents suc h as nitrous oxide, antitumor necrosis factor (ATNF), and extracorpore al carbon dioxide with low-frequency positive pressure (ECCO(2)R-LFPPV ). The future holds promise for probable reductions in both morbidity and mortality rates of this ubiquitous occupational and environmental health problem, which is of global importance.