Acute respiratory distress syndrome: A clinical update

Background, Because of recent advances in the treatment and improved outcom e of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),we present an overview of A RDS to update general practitioners on the management of this condition. Methods and Results. We searched MEDLINE for original articles, editorials, and reviews on ARDS, acute lung injury, and mechanical ventilation. A larg e amount of data is available can this subject. We reviewed relevant articl es that address definition, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and manage ment of ARDS, giving special emphasis to ventilatory support of patients wi th ARDS. Conclusion. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a severe form of acute l ung injury associated with significant mortality and morbidity. In recent y ears, significant progress has been made in the understanding of this condi tion, hut the management of ARDS remains complex and requires multidiscipli nary and specialized care.