Partial liquid ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome

Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) represents an intriguing alternative parad igm in the approach to the patient with acute lung injury (ALI). Within the past decade, substantial information has become available regarding this t echnique. Clearly, PLV is feasible in patients with ALI and acute respirato ry distress syndrome (ARDS), and it appears to be safe with respect to shor t-term effects on hemodynamics, lung physiology, and longterm toxicity (alt hough further research is warranted). Although PLV has not yet been proved to be superior to traditional mechanical ventilation for patients with ALI and ARDS, PLV possesses an intriguing combination of physical, physiologic, and biologic effects. The results of ongoing and future clinical trials wi ll be necessary to establish whether PLV improves clinical outcomes in pati ents with ALI or ARDS, or specific subgroups of such patients. Significant work remains to be done to define the optimum dose level of PLV and the mos t appropriate ventilatory strategies.