For details see here;

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/165139-overview#2
ARDS is associated with diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and lung capillary endothelial injury. The early phase is described as being exudative, whereas the
later phase is fibroproliferative in character.
Early ARDS is characterized by an increase in the permeability of the alveolar-capillary barrier, leading to an influx of fluid into the alveoli. The alveolarcapillary barrier is formed by the microvascular endothelium and the epithelial lining of the alveoli. Hence, a variety of insults resulting in damage either to the
vascular endothelium or to the alveolar epithelium could result in ARDS.
The main site of injury may be focused on either the vascular endothelium (eg, sepsis) or the alveolar epithelium (eg, aspiration of gastric contents). Injury to
the endothelium results in increased capillary permeability and the influx of protein-rich fluid into the alveolar space.
Injury to the alveolar lining cells also promotes pulmonary edema formation. Two types of alveolar epithelial cells exist. Type I cells, which make up 90% of
the alveolar epithelium, are injured easily. Damage to type I cells allows both increased entry of fluid into the alveoli and decreased clearance of fluid from the
alveolar space.
Type II alveolar epithelial cells are relatively more resistant to injury. However, type II cells have several important functions, including the production of
surfactant, ion transport, and proliferation and differentiation into type l cells after cellular injury. Damage to type II cells results in decreased production of
surfactant with resultant decreased compliance and alveolar collapse. Interference with the normal repair processes in the lung may lead to the development
of fibrosis.
Neutrophils are thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of ARDS, as suggested by studies of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung biopsy specimens
in early ARDS. Despite the apparent importance of neutrophils in this syndrome, ARDS may develop in profoundly neutropenic patients, and infusion of
granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) does not promote its development. This and other
evidence suggests that the neutrophils observed in ARDS may be reactive rather than causative.
Cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF], leukotrienes, macrophage inhibitory factor, and numerous others), along with platelet sequestration and activation,
are also important in the development of ARDS. An imbalance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is thought to occur after an inciting event,
such as sepsis. Evidence from animal studies suggests that the development of ARDS may be promoted by the positive airway pressure delivered to the lung
by mechanical ventilation. This is termed ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI).
ARDS expresses itself as an inhomogeneous process. Relatively normal alveoli, which are more compliant than affected alveoli, may become overdistended
by the delivered tidal volume, resulting in barotrauma (pneumothorax and interstitial air). Alveoli already damaged by ARDS may experience further injury
from the shear forces exerted by the cycle of collapse at end-expiration and reexpansion by positive pressure at the next inspiration (so-called volutrauma).
In addition to the mechanical effects on alveoli, these forces promote the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines with resultant worsening inflammation and
pulmonary edema. The use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to diminish alveolar collapse and the use of low tidal volumes and limited levels of
inspiratory filling pressures appear to be beneficial in diminishing the observed VALI.
ARDS causes a marked increase in intrapulmonary shunting, leading to severe hypoxemia. Although a high FIO 2 is required to maintain adequate tissue
oxygenation and life, additional measures, like lung recruitment with PEEP, are often required. Theoretically, high FIO 2 levels may cause DAD via oxygen free
radical and related oxidative stresses, collectively called oxygen toxicity. Generally, oxygen concentrations higher than 65% for prolonged periods (days) can
result in DAD, hyaline membrane formation, and, eventually, fibrosis.
ARDS is uniformly associated with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary artery vasoconstriction likely contributes to ventilation-perfusion mismatch and is one
of the mechanisms of hypoxemia in ARDS. Normalization of pulmonary artery pressures occurs as the syndrome resolves. The development of progressive
pulmonary hypertension is associated with a poor prognosis.
The acute phase of ARDS usually resolves completely. Less commonly, residual pulmonary fibrosis occurs, in which the alveolar spaces are filled with
mesenchymal cells and new blood vessels. This process seems to be facilitated by interleukin (IL)-1. Progression to fibrosis may be predicted early in the
course by the finding of increased levels of procollagen peptide III (PCP-III) in the fluid obtained by BAL. This and the finding of fibrosis on biopsy correlate
with an increased mortality rate.

Etiology
Multiple risk factors exist for ARDS. Approximately 20% of patients with ARDS have no identified risk factor. ARDS risk factors include direct lung injury (most
commonly, aspiration of gastric contents), systemic illnesses, and injuries. The most common risk factor for ARDS is sepsis.
Given the number of adult studies, major risk factors associated with the development of ARDS include the following:

Bacteremia
Sepsis

Trauma, with or without pulmonary contusion

Fractures, particularly multiple fractures and long bone fractures
Burns
Massive transfusion
Pneumonia
Aspiration
Drug overdose
Near drowning
Postperfusion injury after cardiopulmonary bypass
Pancreatitis
Fat embolism
General risk factors for ARDS have not been prospectively studied using the 1994 EACC criteria. However, several factors appear to increase the risk of
ARDS after an inciting event, including advanced age, female sex (noted only in trauma cases), cigarette smoking, [3] and alcohol use. For any underlying
cause, increasingly severe illness as predicted by a severity scoring system such as the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)
increases the risk of development of ARDS.

Genetic factors
A study by Glavan et al examined the association between genetic variations in the FAS gene and ALI susceptibility. The study identified associations
between four single nucleotide polymorphisms and increased ALI susceptibility.[4] Further studies are needed to examine the role of FAS in ALI.
Previous
Next Section: Epidemiology

Epidemiology
The incidence of ARDS varies widely, partly because studies have used different definitions of the disease. Moreover, to determine an accurate estimate of its
incidence, all cases of ARDS in a given population must be found and included. Although this may be problematic, recent data are available from the United
States and international studies that may clarify the true incidence of this condition.

United States statistics

In the 1970s, when a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study of ARDS was being planned, the estimated annual frequency was 75 cases per 100,000
population. Subsequent studies, before the development of the AECC definitions, reported much lower figures. For example, a study from Utah showed an
estimated incidence of 4.8-8.3 cases per 100,000 population.
Data obtained more recently by the NIH-sponsored ARDS Study Network suggest that the incidence of ARDS may actually be higher than the original
estimate of 75 cases per 100,000 population. A prospective study using the 1994 AECC definition was performed in King County, Washington, from April 1999
through July 2000 and found that the age-adjusted incidence of ALI was 86.2 per 100,000 person-years. [5] Incidence increased with age, reaching 306 per
100,000 person-years for people in aged 75-84 years.
On the basis of these statistics, it is estimated that 190,600 cases exist in the United States annually and that these cases are associated with 74,500 deaths.

International statistics
The first study to use the 1994 AECC definitions was performed in Scandinavia, which reported annual rates of 17.9 cases per 100,000 population for ALI and
13.5 cases per 100,000 population for ARDS.[6]

Age-related differences in incidence

ARDS may occur in people of any age. Its incidence increases with advancing age, ranging from 16 cases per 100,000 person-years in those aged 15-19
years to 306 cases per 100,000 person-years in those between the ages of 75 and 84 years. The age distribution reflects the incidence of the underlying
causes.

Sex-related differences in incidence

For ARDS associated with sepsis and most other causes, no differences in the incidence between males and females appear to exist. However, in trauma
patients only, the incidence of the disease may be slightly higher among females.
Previous

Next Section: PrognosisPrognosis

Until the 1990s, most studies reported a 40-70% mortality rate for ARDS. However, 2 reports in the 1990s, one from a large county hospital in Seattle and one
from the United Kingdom, suggested much lower mortality rates, in the range of 30-40%. [7, 8] Possible explanations for the improved survival rates may be
better understanding and treatment of sepsis, recent changes in the application of mechanical ventilation, and better overall supportive care of critically ill
patients.
Note that most deaths in ARDS patients are attributable to sepsis (a poor prognostic factor) or multiorgan failure rather than to a primary pulmonary cause,
although the recent success of mechanical ventilation using smaller tidal volumes may suggest a role of lung injury as a direct cause of death.
Mortality in ARDS increases with advancing age. The study performed in King County, Washington, found mortality rates of 24% in patients between ages 15
and 19 years and 60% in patients aged 85 years and older. The adverse effect of age may be related to underlying health status.
Indices of oxygenation and ventilation, including the PaO 2/FIO2 ratio, do not predict the outcome or risk of death. The severity of hypoxemia at the time of
diagnosis does not correlate well with survival rates. However, the failure of pulmonary function to improve in the first week of treatment is a poor prognostic
factor.
Peripheral blood levels of decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), a soluble protein with immunomodulatory effects, independently predict 28-day mortality in ARDS
patients. In a study comparing DcR3, soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM)-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 in ARDS patients, plasma DcR3
levels were the only biomarker to distinguish survivors from nonsurvivors at all time points in week 1 of ARDS. [9] Nonsurvivors had higher DcR3 levels than
survivors, regardless of APACHE II scores, and mortality was higher in patients with higher DcR3 levels.
Morbidity is considerable. Patients with ARDS are likely to have prolonged hospital courses, and they frequently develop nosocomial infections, especially
ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). In addition, patients often have significant weight loss and muscle weakness, and functional impairment may persist
for months after hospital discharge.[10]
Severe disease and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation are predictors of persistent abnormalities in pulmonary function. Survivors of ARDS have
significant functional impairment for years following recovery.
In a study of 109 survivors of ARDS, 12 patients died in the first year. In 83 evaluable survivors, spirometry and lung volumes were normal at 6 months, but
diffusing capacity remained mildly diminished (72%) at 1 year.[10] ARDS survivors had abnormal 6-minute walking distances at 1 year, and only 49% had
returned to work. Their health-related quality of life was significantly below normal. However, no patient remained oxygen dependent at 12 months.
Radiographic abnormalities had also completely resolved.
A study of this same group of patients 5 years after recovery from ARDS (9 additional patients had died and 64 were evaluated) was recently published and
demonstrated continued exercise impairment and decreased quality of life related to both physical and neuropsychological factors. [11]
A study examining health-related quality of life (HRQL) after ARDS determined that ARDS survivors had poorer overall HRQL than the general population at 6
months after recovery.[12] This included lower scores in mobility, energy, and social isolation.
Previous
Next Section: Patient Education

Patient Education
For patient education resources, see the Lung and Airway Center, the Procedures Center, and the Bacterial and Viral Infections Center, as well as Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Bronchoscopy, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Previous
Proceed to Presentation

History
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by the development of acute
dyspnea and hypoxemia within hours to days of an inciting event, such as trauma, sepsis,
drug overdose, massive transfusion, acute pancreatitis, or aspiration. In many cases, the
inciting event is obvious, but, in others (eg, drug overdose), it may be harder to identify.
Patients developing ARDS are critically ill, often with multisystem organ failure, and they may
not be capable of providing historical information. Typically, the illness develops within 12-48
hours after the inciting event, although, in rare instances, it may take up to a few days.

With the onset of lung injury, patients initially note dyspnea with exertion. This rapidly
progresses to severe dyspnea at rest, tachypnea, anxiety, agitation, and the need for
increasingly high concentrations of inspired oxygen.

Physical Examination
Physical findings often are nonspecific and include tachypnea, tachycardia, and the need for a
high fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) to maintain oxygen saturation. The patient may be
febrile or hypothermic. Because ARDS often occurs in the context of sepsis, associated
hypotension and peripheral vasoconstriction with cold extremities may be present. Cyanosis of
the lips and nail beds may occur.
Examination of the lungs may reveal bilateral rales. Rales may not be present despite
widespread involvement. Because the patient is often intubated and mechanically ventilated,
decreased breath sounds over 1 lung may indicate a pneumothorax or endotracheal tube
down the right main bronchus.
Manifestations of the underlying cause (eg, acute abdominal findings in the case of ARDS
caused by pancreatitis) are present.
In a septic patient without an obvious source, pay careful attention during the physical
examination to identify potential causes of sepsis, including signs of lung consolidation or
findings consistent with an acute abdomen. Carefully examine sites of intravascular lines,
surgical wounds, drain sites, and decubitus ulcers for evidence of infection. Check for
subcutaneous air, a manifestation of infection or barotrauma.
Because cardiogenic pulmonary edema must be distinguished from ARDS, carefully look for
signs of congestive heart failure or intravascular volume overload, including jugular venous
distention, cardiac murmurs and gallops, hepatomegaly, and edema.

Complications
Patients with ARDS often require high-intensity mechanical ventilation, including high levels of
positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and,
possibly, high mean airway pressures; thus, barotrauma may occur. Patients present with
pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, or both. Other potential complications that may occur in
these mechanically ventilated patients include accidental extubation and right mainstem
intubation.
If prolonged mechanical ventilation is needed, patients may eventually require tracheostomy.
With prolonged intubation and tracheostomy, upper airway complications may occur, most
notably postextubation laryngeal edema and subglottic stenosis.
Because patients with ARDS often require prolonged mechanical ventilation and invasive
hemodynamic monitoring, they are at risk for serious nosocomial infections, including
ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and line sepsis. The incidence of VAP in ARDS

patients may be as high as 55% and appears to be higher than that in other populations
requiring mechanical ventilation. Preventive strategies including elevation of head of the bed,
use of subglottic suction endotracheal tubes, and oral decontamination.
Other potential infections include urinary tract infection (UTI) related to the use of urinary
catheters and sinusitis related to the use of nasal feeding and drainage tubes. Patients may
also developClostridium difficile colitis as a complication of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.
Patients with ARDS, because of the extended intensive care unit (ICU) stay and treatment with
multiple antibiotics, may also develop infections with drug-resistant organisms such as
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycinresistant Enterococcus (VRE).
In a study of survivors of ARDS, significant functional impairment was noted at 1 year,
primarily related to muscle wasting and weakness. [10] Corticosteroid treatment and use of
neuromuscular blockade are risk factors for muscle weakness and poor functional recovery.
Patients may have difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. Strategies to facilitate
weaning, such as daily interruption of sedation, [13] early institution of physical therapy, attention
to maintaining nutrition, and use of weaning protocols, may decrease the duration of
mechanical ventilation and facilitate recovery.
Renal failure is a frequent complication of ARDS, particularly in the context of sepsis. Renal
failure may be related to hypotension, nephrotoxic drugs, or underlying illness. Fluid
management is complicated in this context, especially if the patient is oliguric. Multisystem
organ failure, rather than respiratory failure alone, is usually the cause of death in ARDS.
Other potential complications include ileus, stress gastritis, and anemia. Stress ulcer
prophylaxis is indicated for these patients. Anemia may be prevented by the use of growth
factors (epopoietin). Diagnostic Considerations
Other conditions to be considered include the following:

Pulmonary hemorrhage
Near drowning
Drug reaction
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema
Hamman-Rich syndrome
Retinoic acid syndrome
Acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
Acute eosinophilic pneumonia
Reperfusion injury
Leukemic infiltration
Fat embolism syndrome

Differential Diagnoses

Goodpasture Syndrome
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Multisystem Organ Failure of Sepsis
Nosocomial Pneumonia
Perioperative Pulmonary Management
Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia
Pneumonia, Aspiration
Pneumonia, Bacterial
Pneumonia, Viral

Pulmonary Eosinophilia
Respiratory Failure
Sepsis, Bacterial
Septic Shock
Shock, Hemorrhagic
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxicity, Heroin
Toxicity, Salicylate
Transfusion Reactions
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Ventilation, Mechanical
Ventilation, Noninvasive
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Proceed to Workup

Approach Considerations
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined by the acute onset of bilateral
pulmonary infiltrates and severe hypoxemia in the absence of evidence of cardiogenic
pulmonary edema. Workup includes selected laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging,
hemodynamic monitoring, and bronchoscopy. ARDS is a clinical diagnosis, and no specific
laboratory abnormalities are noted beyond the expected disturbances in gas exchange and
radiographic findings.

Laboratory Tests
In ARDS, if the partial pressure of oxygen in the patients arterial blood (PaO 2) is divided by the
fraction of oxygen in the inspired air (FIO2), the result is 200 or less. For patients breathing
100% oxygen, this means that the PaO2 is less than 200. In acute lung injury (ALI), the
PaO2/FIO2 ratio is less than 300.
In addition to hypoxemia, arterial blood gases often initially show a respiratory alkalosis.
However, in ARDS occurring in the context of sepsis, a metabolic acidosis with or without
respiratory compensation may be present.
As the condition progresses and the work of breathing increases, the partial pressure of
carbon dioxide (PCO2) begins to rise and respiratory alkalosis gives way to respiratory
acidosis. Patients on mechanical ventilation for ARDS may be allowed to remain hypercapnic
(permissive hypercapnia) to achieve the goals of low tidal volume and limited plateau pressure
ventilator strategies aimed at limiting ventilator-associated lung injury.
To exclude cardiogenic pulmonary edema, it may be helpful to obtain a plasma B-type
natriuretic peptide (BNP) value and echocardiogram. An BNP level of less than 100 pg/mL in a
patient with bilateral infiltrates and hypoxemia favors the diagnosis of ARDS/acute lung injury
(ALI) rather than cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The echocardiogram provides information
about left ventricular ejection fraction, wall motion, and valvular abnormalities. [14]
Other abnormalities observed in ARDS depend on the underlying cause or associated
complications and may include the following:

Hematologic - In septic patients, leukopenia or leukocytosis may be noted.

Thrombocytopenia may be observed in septic patients in the presence of disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC). Von Willebrand factor (VWF) may be elevated in patients at
risk for ARDS and may be a marker of endothelial injury.

Renal - Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) often ensues in the course of ARDS, probably
from ischemia to the kidneys. Renal function should be closely monitored.

Hepatic - Liver function abnormalities may be noted in either a pattern of hepatocellular

injury or cholestasis.

Cytokines - Multiple cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)1, IL-6, and IL-8, are elevated in
the serum of patients at risk for ARDS.

Radiography
ARDS is defined by the presence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. The infiltrates may be
diffuse and symmetric or asymmetric, especially if superimposed upon preexisting lung
disease or if the insult causing ARDS was a pulmonary process, such as aspiration or lung
contusion.
The pulmonary infiltrates usually evolve rapidly, with maximal severity within the first 3 days.
Infiltrates can be noted on chest radiographs almost immediately after the onset of gas
exchange abnormalities. They may be interstitial, characterized by alveolar filling, or both.
Initially, the infiltrates may have a patchy peripheral distribution, but soon they progress to
diffuse bilateral involvement with ground glass changes or frank alveolar infiltrates (see the
image below).

Anteroposterior portable chest radiograph in patient who had been in

respiratory failure for 1 week with diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Image shows
endotracheal tube, left subclavian central venous catheter in superior vena cava, and bilateral patchy
opacities in mostly middle and lower lung zones.

The correlation between radiographic findings and severity of hypoxemia is highly variable. In
addition, diuresis tends to improve infiltrates and volume overload tends to worsen them,
irrespective of improvement or worsening in underlying ARDS.
For patients who begin to improve and show signs of resolution, improvement in radiographic
abnormalities generally occurs over 10-14 days; however, more protracted courses are
common.

Computed Tomography

In general, clinical evaluation and routine chest radiography are sufficient in patients with
ARDS. However, computed tomography (CT) scanning may be indicated in some situations.
CT scanning is more sensitive than plain chest radiography in detecting pulmonary interstitial
emphysema, pneumothoraces and pneumomediastinum, pleural effusions, cavitation, and
mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The heterogeneity of alveolar involvement is often apparent on
CT scan even in the presence of diffuse homogeneous infiltrates on routine chest radiograph.
In some instances, the discovery of unexpected pulmonary pathology, such as a
pneumothorax, may be lifesaving. However, this potential benefit must be weighed against the
risk associated with transporting a critically ill patient on high-intensity mechanical ventilation
out of the intensive care unit (ICU) to the CT scan equipment.

Echocardiography
As part of the workup, patients with ARDS should undergo 2-dimensional echocardiography
for the purpose of screening. If findings are suggestive of patent foramen ovale shunting, 2dimensional echocardiography should be followed up with transesophageal echocardiography.
[15]

Because patients with severe ARDS often require prolonged prone positioning due to
refractory hypoxemia, a study assessed the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
in patients in the prone position.[16] The study determined that TEE can be safely and efficiently
performed in patients with severe ARDS in the prone position.

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring

Because the differential diagnosis of ARDS includes cardiogenic pulmonary edema,
hemodynamic monitoring with a pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheter may be helpful in
selected cases for distinguishing cardiogenic from noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.
The pulmonary artery catheter is floated through an introducer that is placed in a central vein,
usually the right internal jugular or subclavian vein. With the balloon inflated, the catheter is
advanced with continuous pressure monitoring. This allows measurement of right atrial
pressure, right ventricular pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary artery
occlusion pressure (PAOP).
With the catheter properly positioned, the PAOP reflects filling pressures on the left side of the
heart and, indirectly, intravascular volume status. A PAOP lower than 18 mm Hg is usually
consistent with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, although other factors, such as a low
plasma oncotic pressure, may allow cardiogenic pulmonary edema to occur at lower
pressures.
The pulmonary artery catheter also provides other information that may be helpful in both the
differential diagnosis and the treatment of these patients. For example, the calculation of
systemic vascular resistance based upon thermodilution cardiac output, right atrial pressure,
and mean arterial pressure may provide support for the clinical suspicion of sepsis.

Mixed venous oxygen saturation to allow the calculation of shunt and oxygen delivery is used
by some to adjust ventilator parameters and vasoactive support. Mixed venous oxygen
saturation is also used in goal-directed therapy for sepsis.
Because avoiding fluid-overload may be beneficial in the management of ARDS, the use of a
central venous catheter or pulmonary artery catheter may facilitate appropriate fluid
management in these patients in whom judging intravascular volume status on clinical grounds
may be difficult or impossible. This may be especially helpful in patients who are hypotensive
or those with associated renal failure.
Although pulmonary artery catheters provide considerable information, their use is not without
controversy. The ARDS Clinical Trials Network studied whether a difference in mortality could
be found in ARDS patients whose fluid management was guided by pulmonary artery catheter
versus central venous catheter after initial resuscitation. [17] The study found no difference in
mortality, ventilator days, ICU days, or need for pressors or dialysis. The pulmonary artery
catheter group had twice as many catheter-related complications, primarily arrhythmias.
Another large retrospective study of critically ill patients monitored with pulmonary artery
catheters in the first 24 hours of ICU admission showed that patients with pulmonary artery
catheters had an increased mortality rate, hospital cost, and length of stay compared with a
retrospectively developed matched patient group managed without them. [18] Thus, use of the
pulmonary artery catheter past the time of initial resuscitation confers no survival benefit and
possibly has an adverse effect on survival.
In addition, accurate measurement of hemodynamic parameters with the pulmonary artery
catheter requires skill and care. This is especially difficult in patients either on mechanical
ventilation or with forced spontaneous inspirations because the pressure tracing is affected by
intrathoracic pressure. PCWP should be measured at end-expiration and from the tracing
rather than from digital displays on the bedside monitor.

Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy may be considered to evaluate the possibility of infection, alveolar hemorrhage,
or acute eosinophilic pneumonia in patients acutely ill with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates.
Culture material may be obtained by wedging the bronchoscope in a subsegmental bronchus
and collecting the fluid suctioned after instilling large volumes of nonbacteriostatic saline
(bronchoalveolar lavage; BAL). The fluid is analyzed for cell differential, cytology, silver stain,
and Gram stain and is quantitatively cultured.
Ten thousand organisms per milliliter is generally considered significant in a patient not
previously treated with antibiotics. As noted (see above), early ARDS is characterized by the
presence of neutrophils in the BAL fluid, so the presence of intracellular organisms and the
use of quantitative culture are important in establishing infection.
An alternative means of obtaining a culture is by means of a protected specimen brush, which
is passed through the bronchoscope into a segmental bronchus. Subsequently, the brush is

cut off into 1 mL of sterile nonbacteriostatic saline. Culture of 1000 organisms is considered
significant.
Analysis of the types of cells present in the BAL fluid may be helpful in the differential
diagnosis of patients with ARDS. For example, the finding of a high percentage of eosinophils
(>20%) in the BAL fluid is consistent with the diagnosis of acute eosinophilic pneumonia. The
use of high-dose corticosteroids in these patients may be lifesaving.
A high proportion of lymphocytes may be observed in acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis,
sarcoidosis, or bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia (BOOP). Red cells and
hemosiderin-laden macrophages may be observed in pulmonary hemorrhage. Lipid laden
macrophages are suggestive of aspiration or lipoid pneumonia.
Cytologic evaluation of the BAL fluid may also be helpful in the differential diagnosis of ARDS.
This may reveal viral cytopathic changes, for example. Silver stain may be helpful in
diagnosing an infection, such as Pneumocystis.
The use of bronchoscopy as an adjunct to surfactant therapy has been reported. In 10 adults
with ARDS, sequential bronchopulmonary segmental lavage with a dilute synthetic was safe,
well tolerated, and associated with a decrease in oxygen requirements. [19] To the authors
knowledge, no study has been performed to compare the use of surfactant with or without
bronchoscopy in the setting of ARDS.

Histologic Findings
The histologic changes in ARDS are those of diffuse alveolar damage. An exudative phase
occurs in the first several days and is characterized by interstitial edema, alveolar hemorrhage
and edema, alveolar collapse, pulmonary capillary congestion, and hyaline membrane
formation (see the image below). These histologic changes are nonspecific and do not provide
information that would allow the pathologist to determine the cause of the ARDS.

Photomicrograph from patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome

(ARDS). Image shows ARDS in exudative stage. Note hyaline membranes and loss of alveolar
epithelium in this early stage of ARDS.

A biopsy performed after several days shows the beginning of organization of the intra-alveolar
exudate and repair, the proliferative phase of ARDS, which is characterized by the growth of
type 2 pneumocytes in the alveolar walls and the appearance of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts,
and collagen deposition in the interstitium.
The final phase of ARDS is fibrotic. Alveolar walls are thickened by connective tissue rather
than edema or cellular infiltrate.

Staging
In the 1980s, Murray and coworkers developed a lung injury scoring system, which has proven
helpful in clinical research on ARDS.[20] This system was based on the following 4 parameters:

Severity of consolidation based on chest radiograph findings

Severity of hypoxemia based on the PaO2/FIO2 ratio
Lung compliance
level of PEEP required
A study by Calfee et al examined the use of multiple plasma biomarkers in risk reclassification
at the time of ALI diagnosis.[21] The plasma biomarkers intercellular adhesion molecule 1, von
Willebrand factor, interleukin 8, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, and surfactant protein
D improved the accuracy of risk prediction when combined with clinical data.
In a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study, Gajic et al identified predisposing
conditions and risk modifiers predictive of ALI development from routine clinical data available
during the initial evaluation.[22] The risk of death from ALI was determined after adjustment for
severity of illness and predisposing conditions. The lung injury prediction score (LIPS) was
successful in discriminating patients who developed ALI from those who did not, which can
alert clinicians to implement prevention strategies.
Proceed to Treatment

About Medscape

Approach Considerations
No drug has proved beneficial in the prevention or management of acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS). Early administration of corticosteroids to septic patients does not prevent
the development of ARDS. A study by Martin-Loeches et al concluded that the early use of
corticosteroids was also ineffective in patients with the pandemic H1N1 influenza A infection,
resulting in an increased risk of superinfections. [23] This finding was also echoed in a study by
Brun-Buisson et al, who found no evidence of benefit associated with corticosteroids in
patients with ARDS secondary to influenza pneumonia but did find that early corticosteroid
therapy may be harmful.[24]
Numerous pharmacologic therapies, including the use of inhaled synthetic surfactant,
intravenous (IV) antibody to endotoxin, ketoconazole, and ibuprofen, have been tried and are
not effective.[25]
A study that examined the use and outcomes associated with rescue therapies in patients with
ALI determined that these therapies offered no survival benefit. [26] The study also determined
that rescue therapies are most often used in younger patients with more severe oxygenation
deficits.

A randomized, clinical trial determined that simvastatin, a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A

reductase inhibitor, improved oxygenation and respiratory mechanics in patients with ALI.
[27]
Further studies are needed, but treatment with simvastatin appears safe and may be
associated with improved organ dysfunction in patients with ALI.
Small sepsis trials suggest a potential role for antibody to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and
recombinant interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist. Inhaled nitric oxide (NO), a potent
pulmonary vasodilator, seemed promising in early trials, but in larger controlled trials, it did not
change mortality rates in adults with ARDS.[28, 29] A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial
sequential analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials, including 1303 patients, found that
inhaled nitric oxide did not reduce mortality and results in only a transient improvement in
oxygenation.[30]
Although no specific therapy exists for ARDS, treatment of the underlying condition is
essential, along with supportive care, noninvasive ventilation or mechanical ventilation using
low tidal volumes, and conservative fluid management. Because infection is often the
underlying cause of ARDS, early administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy broad enough
to cover suspected pathogens is essential, along with careful assessment of the patient to
determine potential infection sources. In some instances, removal of intravascular lines,
drainage of infected fluid collections, or surgical debridement or resection of an infected site
(eg, the ischemic bowel) may be necessary because sepsis-associated ARDS does not
resolve without such management.
Other important interventions in sepsis have included early goal-directed therapy, use of
drotrecogin alfa (Xigris) in selected patients with severe sepsis (APACHE score 25) and no
contraindications, prevention of bleeding complications by means of prophylaxis for deep
venous thrombosis (DVT) and stress ulcers, early mobilization, turning and skin care, removal
of catheters and tubes as soon as possible, and elevation of the head of the bed and other
strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, including facilitation of weaning from
mechanical ventilation by daily interruption of sedation coordinated with daily spontaneous
breathing trials.
Drotrecogin alfa was withdrawn from the worldwide market October 25, 2011. In the
Recombinant Human Activated Protein C Worldwide Evaluation in Severe Sepsis
(PROWESS)-SHOCK clinical trial, drotrecogin alfa failed to demonstrate a statistically
significant reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic
shock. Trial results observed a 28-day all-cause mortality rate of 26.4% in patients treated with
activated drotrecogin alfa compared with 24.2% in the placebo group of the study.
The use of stress-dose steroids in patients with septic shock did not change survival in a
recently reported controlled trial,[31] although an earlier trial showed a survival benefit.
With the development of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)sponsored ARDS Clinical
Trials Network, several large well-controlled trials of ARDS therapies have been completed.
Thus far, the only treatment found to improve survival in ARDS is a mechanical ventilation
strategy using low tidal volumes (6 mL/kg based upon ideal body weight).

The main concerns are missing a potentially treatable underlying cause or complication of
ARDS. In these critically ill patients, pay careful attention to early recognition of potential
complications in the intensive care unit (ICU), including pneumothorax, IV line infections, skin
breakdown, inadequate nutrition, arterial occlusion at the site of intra-arterial monitoring
devices, DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE), retroperitoneal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal (GI)
hemorrhage, erroneous placement of lines and tubes, and the development of muscle
weakness.
In situations where the patient requires the use of paralyzing agents to allow certain modes of
mechanical ventilation, take meticulous care to ensure that an adequate alarm system is in
place to alert staff to mechanical ventilator disconnection or malfunction. In addition, adequate
sedation is important in most patients on ventilators and is essential when paralytic agents are
in use.
As in all situations in which patients are critically ill, family and friends are under stress and
likely have many questions and concerns. Keep them informed and allow them to be at the
bedside as much as possible. Caretakers should assume that even though sedated, the
patient may be capable of hearing and understanding all conversations in the room and may
experience pain. Keeping this in mind, all conversation at the bedside should be appropriate
and all procedures should be performed with local anesthesia and pain medication.

Fluid Management
Distinguishing between initial fluid resuscitation, as used for early goal-directed therapy of
septic shock, and maintenance fluid therapy is important. Early aggressive resuscitation for
associated circulatory shock and its associated remote organ injury are central aspects of
initial management. However, several small trials have demonstrated improved outcome for
ARDS in patients treated with diuretics or dialysis to promote a negative fluid balance in the
first few days. Thus, distinction between primary ARDS due to aspiration, pneumonia, or
inhalational injury, which usually can be treated with fluid restriction, from secondary ARDS
due to remote infection or inflammation that requires initial fluid and potential vasoactive drug
therapy is central in directing initial treatments to stabilize the patient.
An ARDS Clinical Trials Network study of a fluid-conservative strategy versus a fluid-liberal
strategy in the management of patients with ARDS or acute lung injury (ALI) found no
statistically significant difference in 60-day mortality between the 2 groups 72 hours after
presentation with ARDS.[32] However, patients treated with the fluid-conservative strategy had
an improved oxygenation index and lung injury score and an increase in ventilator-free days,
without an increase in nonpulmonary organ failures.
It is worth noting that the fluid-conservative group actually had an even rather than a negative
fluid balance over the first 7 days, which raises the possibility that the benefit may have been
underestimated. Patients whose fluids were managed conservatively did not have an
increased need for vasopressors or dialysis.[33]
The use of a conservative fluid management approach has been called into question by the
long-term followup of a subset of survivors of the Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (FACTT).

Although mortality in the survivors was similar regardless of fluid management strategy, and
the conservative fluid management group required about 18 hours less mechanical ventilatory
support, cognitive function was markedly impaired in the conservative fluid group compared
with the liberal fluid group, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.35. [33]
Cognitive impairment was defined as impairment in memory, verbal fluency, or executive
function. Although all those were more common in the conservative fluid management group,
only the decrement in executive function reached statistical significance (p=0.001). Lower
partial pressure of arterial oxygen during the trial was also independently associated with
cognitive impairment.
Maintaining a low-normal intravascular volume may be facilitated by hemodynamic monitoring
with a central venous or pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheter, aimed at achieving a central
venous pressure (CVP) or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at the lower end of
normal. The ARDS clinical trials network of pulmonary artery catheter versus CVP to guide
fluid management in ARDS showed no difference in mortality or ventilator-free days,
regardless of whether fluid status was monitored by pulmonary artery catheter or CVP.
Closely monitor urine output and administer diuretics to facilitate a negative fluid balance. In
oliguric patients, hemodialysis with ultrafiltration or continuous veno-venous
hemofiltration/dialysis (CVVHD) may be required.
A study by Lakhal et al determined that respiratory pulse pressure variation fails to predict fluid
responsiveness in patients with ARDS.[34] Careful fluid challenges may be a safer alternative.

Noninvasive Ventilation
Because intubation and mechanical ventilation may be associated with an increased incidence
of complications, such as barotrauma and nosocomial pneumonia, noninvasive positivepressure ventilation (NIPPV) may be beneficial in patients with acute lung injury (ALI). This is
usually given by full facemask. Sometimes continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
ventilation alone may be sufficient to improve oxygenation.
Noninvasive ventilation has been studied best in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure
caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or neuromuscular weakness;
however, in small series of patients with ARDS/ALI, the use of this technique may have
allowed some patients to avoid intubation. This may be an especially useful approach in
immunocompromised or neutropenic patients.
Patients who have a diminished level of consciousness, vomiting, upper GI bleeding, or other
conditions that increase aspiration risk are not candidates for NIPPV. Other relative
contraindications include hemodynamic instability, agitation, and inability to obtain good mask
fit.

Mechanical Ventilation

The goals of mechanical ventilation in ARDS are to maintain oxygenation while avoiding
oxygen toxicity and the complications of mechanical ventilation. Generally, this involves
maintaining oxygen saturation in the range of 85-90%, with the aim of reducing the fraction of
inspired oxygen (FIO2) to less than 65% within the first 24-48 hours. Achieving this aim almost
always necessitates the use of moderate-to-high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure
(PEEP).
Experimenal studies have shown that mechanical ventilation may promote a type of acute lung
injury termed ventilator-associated lung injury. A protective ventilation strategy using low tidal
volumes and limited plateau pressures improves survival when compared with conventional
tidal volumes and pressures.
In an ARDS Network study, patients with ALI and ARDS were randomized to mechanical
ventilation either at a tidal volume of 12 mL/kg of predicted body weight and an inspiratory
pressure of 50 cm water or less or at a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg and an inspiratory pressure of
30 cm water or less; the study was stopped early after interim analysis of 861 patients
demonstrated that subjects in the low-tidal-volume group had a significantly lower mortality
rate (31% versus 39.8%).[35]
Whereas previous studies employing low tidal volumes allowed patients to be hypercapnic
(permissive hypercapnia) and acidotic to achieve the protective ventilation goals of low tidal
volume and low inspiratory airway pressure, the ARDS Network study allowed increases in
respiratory rate and administration of bicarbonate to correct acidosis. This may account for the
positive outcome in this study as compared with earlier studies that had failed to demonstrate
a benefit.
Thus, mechanical ventilation with a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg predicted body weight is
recommended, with adjustment of the tidal volume to as low as 4 mL/kg if needed to limit the
inspiratory plateau pressure to 30 cm water or less. Increase the ventilator rate and administer
bicarbonate as needed to maintain the pH at a near normal level (7.3).
In the ARDS Network study, patients ventilated with lower tidal volumes required higher levels
of PEEP (9.4 vs 8.6 cm water) to maintain oxygen saturation at 85% or more. Some authors
have speculated that the higher levels of PEEP may also have contributed to the improved
survival rates. However, a subsequent ARDS Network trial of higher versus lower PEEP levels
in patients with ARDS showed no benefit from higher PEEP levels in terms of either survival or
duration of mechanical ventilation.[36]
Patients with severe ARDS receiving mechanical ventilation responded more favorably to early
administration of a neuromuscular blocking agent (ie, cisatracurium) than to placebo.
Compared with the placebo group, the cisatracurium group showed improvement in 90-day
survival and increased time off the ventilator. No significant difference in ICU-acquired paresis
was observed.[37]
Managing physicians should not use paralytics in all cases; rather, they should use them only
in those where length of ventilation is expected to exceed a few hours. Patients should not

remain ventilated for longer than it takes for the paralytics to have their effect. The duration of
paralysis will depend upon the condition.[37]
A study by Jaber et al examined diaphragmatic weakness during mechanical ventilation along
with the relationship between mechanical ventilation duration and diaphragmatic injury or
atrophy.[38] The study determined that longer periods of mechanical ventilation were associated
with significantly greater ultrastructural fiber injury, increased ubiquitinated proteins, higher
expression of p65 nuclear factor-kB, greater levels of calcium-activated proteases, and
decreased cross-sectional area of muscle fibers in the diaphragm. The conclusion was that
weakness, injury, and atrophy can occur rapidly in the diaphragms of patients on mechanical
ventilation and are significantly correlated with the duration of ventilator support.
Go to Barotrauma and Mechanical Ventilation for complete information on this topic.

Positive end-expiratory pressure and continuous positive airway pressure

ARDS is characterized by severe hypoxemia. When oxygenation cannot be maintained
despite high inspired oxygen concentrations, the use of CPAP or PEEP usually promotes
improved oxygenation, allowing the FIO2 to be tapered.
With PEEP, positive pressure is maintained throughout expiration, but when the patient inhales
spontaneously, airway pressure decreases to below zero to trigger airflow. With CPAP, a lowresistance demand valve is used to allow positive pressure to be maintained continuously.
Positive-pressure ventilation increases intrathoracic pressure and thus may decrease cardiac
output and blood pressure. Because mean airway pressure is greater with CPAP than PEEP,
CPAP may have a more profound effect on blood pressure.
In general, patients tolerate CPAP well, and CPAP is usually used rather than PEEP. The use
of appropriate levels of CPAP is thought to improve the outcome in ARDS. By maintaining the
alveoli in an expanded state throughout the respiratory cycle, CPAP may decrease shear
forces that promote ventilator-associated lung injury.
The best method for finding the optimal level of CPAP in patients with ARDS is controversial.
Some favor the use of just enough CPAP to allow reduction of the FIO 2 below 65%.
Another approach, favored by Amato et al, is the so-called open lung approach, in which the
appropriate level is determined by the construction of a static pressure volume curve. [39] This is
an S-shaped curve, and the optimal level of PEEP is just above the lower inflection point.
Using this approach, the average PEEP level required is 15.
However, as noted above, an ARDS Network study of higher versus lower PEEP levels in
ARDS patients did not find higher PEEP levels advantageous. [36] In this study, PEEP level was
determined by how much inspired oxygen was required to achieve a goal oxygen saturation of
88-95% or a target partial pressure of oxygen (PO 2) of 55-80 mm Hg. The PEEP level
averaged 8 in the lower PEEP group and 13 in the higher PEEP group. No difference was
shown in duration of mechanical ventilation or survival to hospital discharge.

A 2010 review by Briel et al found that treatment with higher of PEEP demonstrated no
advantage over treatment with lower levels in patients with ALI or ARDS; however, among
patients with ARDS, higher levels were associated with improved survival. [40]
A study by Bellani et al found that in patients with ALI managed with relatively high PEEP,
metabolic activity of aerated regions was associated with plateau pressure and regional tidal
volume that was normalized by end-expiratory lung gas volume; no association was found
between cyclic recruitment/derecruitment and increased metabolic activity.[41]

Pressure-controlled ventilation and high-frequency ventilation

If high inspiratory airway pressures are required to deliver even low tidal volumes, pressurecontrolled ventilation (PCV) may be initiated. In this mode of mechanical ventilation, the
physician sets the level of pressure above CPAP (delta P) and the inspiratory time (I-time) or
inspiratory/expiratory (I:E) ratio. The resultant tidal volume depends on lung compliance and
increases as ARDS improves. PCV may also result in improved oxygenation in some patients
not doing well on volume-controlled ventilation (VCV).
If oxygenation is a problem, longer I-times, such that inspiration is longer than expiration
(inverse I:E ratio ventilation) may be beneficial; ratios as high as 7:1 have been used. PCV,
using lower peak pressures, may also be beneficial in patients with bronchopleural fistulae,
facilitating closure of the fistula.
Evidence indicates that PCV may be beneficial in ARDS, even without the special
circumstances noted. In a multicenter controlled trial comparing VCV with PCV in ARDS
patients, Esteban found that PCV resulted in fewer organ system failures and lower mortality
rates than VCV, despite use of the same tidal volumes and peak inspiratory pressures. [42] A
larger trial is needed before a definite recommendation is made.
High-frequency ventilation (jet or oscillatory) is a ventilator mode that uses low tidal volumes
and high respiratory rates. Given that distention of alveoli is known to one of the mechanisms
promoting ventilator-associated lung injury, high-frequency ventilation would be expected to be
beneficial in ARDS. Results of clinical trials comparing this approach with conventional
ventilation in adults have generally demonstrated early improvement in oxygenation but no
improvement in survival.
The largest randomized controlled trial, in which 148 adults with ARDS were randomized to
conventional ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), found that the HFOV
group had early improvement in oxygenation that did not persist beyond 24 hours. [43] The 30day mortality in the HFOV group was 37%, compared with 52% in the conventional ventilation
group, but this difference was not statistically significant. HFOV may be the most useful for
patients with bronchopleural fistulae.
Partial liquid ventilation has also been tried in ARDS. A randomized controlled trial that
compared it with conventional mechanical ventilation determined that partial liquid ventilation
resulted in increased morbidity (pneumothoraces, hypotension, and hypoxemic episodes), and
a trend toward higher mortality.[44]

Prone positioning
Some 60-75% of patients with ARDS have significantly improved oxygenation when turned
from the supine to the prone position. The improvement in oxygenation is rapid and often
substantial enough to allow reductions in FIO 2 or level of CPAP. The prone position is safe,
with appropriate precautions to secure all tubes and lines, and does not require special
equipment. The improvement in oxygenation may persist after the patient is returned to the
supine position and may occur on repeat trials in patients who did not respond initially.
Possible mechanisms for the improvement noted are recruitment of dependent lung zones,
increased functional residual capacity (FRC), improved diaphragmatic excursion, increased
cardiac output, and improved ventilation-perfusion matching.
Despite improved oxygenation with the prone position, randomized controlled trials of the
prone position in ARDS have not demonstrated improved survival. In an Italian study, the
survival rate to discharge from the ICU and the survival rate at 6 months were unchanged
compared with patients who underwent care in the supine position, despite a significant
improvement in oxygenation.[45] This study was criticized because patients were kept in the
prone position for an average of only 7 hours per day.
However, a subsequent French study, in which patients were in the prone position for at least
8 hours per day, did not document a benefit from the prone position in terms of 28-day or 90day mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, or development of ventilator-associated
pneumonia (VAP).[46]

Tracheostomy
In patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy allows the establishment
of a more stable airway, which may allow for mobilization of the patient and, in some
instances, may facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy, may be
performed in the operating room or percutanseously at the bedside. Timing of the procedure
should be individualized, but it is generally performed after about 2 weeks of mechanical
ventilation.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

A large multicenter trial in the 1970s demonstrated that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
(ECMO) did not improve the mortality rate in ARDS patients. A later trial using extracorporeal
carbon dioxide removal along with inverse ratio ventilation also did not improve survival in
ARDS.[47] However, ECMO is still used as a rescue therapy in selected cases. During the H1N1
epidemic in 2009, ECMO appeared to improve survival in patients with H1N1-associated
ARDS who could not be oxygenated with conventional mechanical ventilation. [48]

Nutritional Support

Institution of nutritional support after 48-72 hours of mechanical ventilation usually is

recommended. Enteral nutrition via a feeding tube is preferable to IV hyperalimentation unless
it is contraindicated because of an acute abdomen, ileus, GI bleeding, or other conditions.
A low-carbohydrate high-fat enteral formula including anti-inflammatory and vasodilating
components (eicosapentaenoic acid and linoleic acid) along with antioxidants has been
demonstrated in some studies to improve outcome in ARDS. [49, 50] In a prospective, randomized
study of ARDS patients in Brazil given an enteral formula containing antioxidants,
eicosapentaenoic acid, and gamma-linoleic acid compared with a standard isocaloric formula,
Pontes-Arruda demonstrated improved survival and oxygenation with the specialized diet. [50]
The ARDSNet completed a trial of feeding in ARDS (the EDEN-OMEGA study), in which
patients were randomized to supplements containing omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidants
versus placebo. This study was terminated early for futility, but the full results have not yet
been published.[51]
An open-label, multicenter trial (the EDEN study) randomized 1000 adult patients who required
mechanical ventilation within 48 hours of developing acute lung injury to receive either trophic
or full enteral feeding for the first 6 days. Initial lower-volume trophic enteral feeding did not
improve ventilator-free days, 60-day mortality, or infectious complications compared with initial
full enteral feeding, but it was associated with less gastrointestinal intolerance. [52]

Activity Restriction
Patients with ARDS are on bed rest. Frequent position changes should be started immediately,
as should passiveand, if possible, activerange-of-motion activities of all muscle groups.
Elevation of the head of the bed to a 45 angle is recommended to diminish the development
of VAP.

Transfer Considerations
Once the acute phase of ARDS resolves, patients may require a prolonged period to be
weaned from mechanical ventilation and to regain muscle strength lost after prolonged
inactivity. This may necessitate transfer to a rehabilitation facility once the acute phase of the
illness is resolved.
Transfer of the ARDS patient to a tertiary care facility may be indicated in some situations,
provided that safe transport can be arranged. Transfer may be indicated if the FIO 2 cannot be
lowered to less than 0.65 within 48 hours.
Other patients who may potentially benefit from transfer include those who have experienced
pneumothorax and have persistent air leaks, patients who cannot be weaned from mechanical
ventilation, patients who have upper airway obstruction after prolonged intubation, or those
with a progressive course in which an underlying cause cannot be identified.

If ARDS develops in a patient who previously has undergone organ or bone marrow
transplantation, transfer to an experienced transplant center is essential for appropriate
management.

Prevention
Although multiple risk factors for ARDS are known, no successful preventive measures have
been identified. Careful fluid management in high-risk patients may be helpful. Because
aspiration pneumonitis is a risk factor for ARDS, taking appropriate measures to prevent
aspiration (eg, elevating the head of the bed and evaluating swallowing mechanics before
feeding high-risk patients) may also prevent some ARDS cases.
In patients without ARDS on mechanical ventilation, the use of high tidal volumes appears to
be a risk factor for the development of ARDS, and, therefore, the use of lower tidal volumes in
all patients on mechanical ventilation may prevent some cases on ARDS. [53]

Consultations
Treatment of patients with ARDS requires special expertise with mechanical ventilation and
management of critical illness. Accordingly, it is appropriate to consult a physician specializing
in pulmonary medicine or critical care.
Proceed to Medication

Medication Summary
No drug has proved beneficial in the prevention or management of acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS). Early administration of corticosteroids to septic patients does not prevent
the development of ARDS. Numerous pharmacologic therapies, including the use of inhaled or
instilled synthetic surfactant, intravenous (IV) antibody to endotoxin, ketoconazole, and
ibuprofen, have been tried and are not effective. Statins, which also appeared to have promise
in small studies, also did not show benefit in a recently published randomized trial in 60
patients with acute lung injury (ALI).[54]
Small sepsis trials suggest a potential role for antibody to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and
recombinant interleukin (IL)1 receptor antagonist. Inhaled nitric oxide (NO), a potent
pulmonary vasodilator, seemed promising in early trials, but in larger controlled trials, it did not
change mortality rates in adults with ARDS. A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial
sequential analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials, including 1303 patients, found that
inhaled nitric oxide did not reduce mortality and results in only a transient improvement in
oxygenation.[30] Inhaled prostacycline also has not been shown to improve survival.
Because of apparent benefit in small trials, it was thought that there might be a role for highdose corticosteroid therapy in patients with late (fibroproliferative phase) ARDS. [55] However, an

ARDS Study Network trial of methylprednisolone for patients with ARDS persisting for at least
7 days demonstrated no benefit in terms of 60-day mortality.[56] Patients treated later in the
course of ARDS, 14 days after onset, had worsened mortality with corticosteroid therapy.
Although no survival advantage was shown in patients treated with methylprednisolone, shortterm clinical benefits included improved oxygenation and increased ventilator-free and shockfree days. Patients treated with corticosteroids were more likely to experience neuromuscular
weakness, but the rate of infectious complications was not increased.

Corticosteroids
Class Summary
Development of the late phase of ARDS may represent continued uncontrolled inflammation,
and corticosteroids may be considered a form of rescue therapy that may improve oxygenation
and hemodynamics but does not change mortality (except that corticosteroids increase
mortality in patients who have had ARDS for >14 d).

Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

View full drug information

High-dose methylprednisolone has been used in trials of patients with ARDS who have
persistent pulmonary infiltrates, fever, and high oxygen requirement despite resolution of
pulmonary or extrapulmonary infection. Pulmonary infection is assessed with bronchoscopy
and bilateral bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and quantitative culture.

NURSING CARE PLAN

http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/737/755395/ards.pdf
http://nandanursingdiagnoses.blogspot.in/2014/04/nursing-diagnosis-for-acute-respiratory.html
http://ncpnanda.blogspot.in/2012/12/ards-care-plan-diagnosis-nanda.html
http://nurseslabs.com/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards-nursing-management/