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ARDS

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung injury characterized by acute onset of respiratory failure, diffuse alveolar damage, and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. It is often caused by severe trauma, sepsis, or severe pneumonia. ARDS is typically diagnosed based on clinical criteria, including acute onset of respiratory distress, bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray, and the absence of left atrial hypertension. The severity of ARDS is often classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories based on the degree of oxygenation and ventilation.

The pathophysiology of ARDS involves the activation of the inflammatory response, leading to the release of

cytokines
and
other
mediators
that
damage
the
alveolar-capillary
barrier.
This
results
in
the
accumulation
of
fluid
and
proteins
in
the
alveoli,
leading
to
respiratory
failure.
The
primary
goal
of
treatment
is
to
support
oxygenation
and
ventilation,
and
to
manage
the
underlying
cause
of
the
ARDS.
Corticosteroids
and
prone
positioning
have
been
shown
to
improve
outcomes
in
some
patients
with
ARDS.
The
prognosis
of
ARDS
is
poor,
with
a
mortality
rate
of
up
to
40%
in
severe
cases.
Early
recognition
and
aggressive
management
are
crucial
for
improving
outcomes
in
patients
with
ARDS.