Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Literature Review

Julian Welly Sualang

Abstract: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life - threatening condition characterized by severe hypoxemia due to failure of pulmonary gas exchange and was first recognized in the 1960s. Since it was first described, intensive research in the last few decades has been carried out to understand its pathogenesis and therapy. However, recommended therapies with the aim of reducing mortality from ARDS are limited, including mechanical use of low tidal volumes, prone position ventilation and, more recently, ECMO therapy in extreme cases. This article will summarize the keys to managing ARDS with a brief overview of the therapeutic options in the management of ARDS.

Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome, ARDS, the Berlin definition