The utility of clinical predictors of acute lung injury: towards prevention and earlier recognition.

ABSTRACT: Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of acute lung injury, a lung-protective strategy of mechanical ventilation remains the only therapy with a proven survival advantage. Numerous pharmacologic therapies have failed to show benefit in multicenter clinical trials. The paradigm of early, goal-directed therapy of sepsis suggests greater clinical benefit may derive from initiating therapy prior to the onset of respiratory failure that requires mechanical ventilation. Thus, there is heightened interest in more accurate and complete characterization of high-risk patient populations and identification of patients in the early stage of acute lung injury, prior to the need for mechanical ventilation. This article discusses the growing literature on clinical predi

SUBMITTER: Levitt JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3044497 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature