NONCARDIOGENIC PULMONARY-EDEMA IN CHILDHOOD

Pulmonary edema is caused by transudation of fluid from pulmonary capi llaries into the alveolar spaces and the bronchiolus. It is most frequ ently secondary to either increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pr essure (cardiogenic pulmonary edema) or increased pulmonary capillary permeability (noncardiogenic pulmonary edema). Numerous systemic and p ulmonary insults are capable of damaging the capillary endothelium and /or alveolar epithelium, resulting in noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Although clinically similar, the presence of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema requires a different therapeutic approach from that of cardiogen ic pulmonary edema.