Pulmonary Function following Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

The recognized incidence of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has increased. While the etiology can be variable, the common denominators are usually an acute loss of pulmonary surfactant and an increase in pulmonary water, which result in a large intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt Treatment usually consists of continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPPV) and intravenous administration of corticosteroid drugs. With careful management, survival frequently results and arterial oxygenation returns to normal. This report indicates that residual pulmonary damage may persist for many months following ARDS, despite a return to normal arterial oxygenation. The recognized incidence of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has increased. While the etiology can be variable, the common denominators are usually an acute loss of pulmonary surfactant and an increase in pulmonary water, which result in a large intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt Treatment usually consists of continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPPV) and intravenous administration of corticosteroid drugs. With careful management, survival frequently results and arterial oxygenation returns to normal. This report indicates that residual pulmonary damage may persist for many months following ARDS, despite a return to normal arterial oxygenation.