What every intensivist should know about acute respiratory distress syndrome and diffuse alveolar damage.

ABSTRACT: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a challenging entity for the intensivist. The pathological hallmark of the acute phase is diffuse alveolar damage, which is present in approximately half of living patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is clear that respiratory support for acute respiratory distress syndrome has gradually been improving over recent decades. However, it is also evident that these procedures are beneficial, as they reduce lung injury and keep the patient alive. This could be interpreted as a time-gaining strategy until the trigger or causal or risk factor improves, the inflammatory storm decreases and the lung heals. However, all except two pharmacological treatments (neuromuscular blockers and steroids) were unable to improve the acute respiratory distr

SUBMITTER: Rios F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5632979 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul-Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature