Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Question 1

Pulmonary causes?

Answer 1

Pneumonia
Gastric aspiration
Inhalation injury
Contusion

Question 2

Non-pulmonary causes?

Answer 2

Shock
Sepsis
Trauma
Acute pancreatitis 
Large bone fracture or multiple fractures (fat embolism)
Head injury

Question 3

Clinical features?

Answer 3

Acute dyspnoea & hypoxaemia
Multi-organ failure
Bilateral fine inspiratory crackles

Question 4

Mx? (5)

Answer 4

Treat the underlying cause
Antibiotics (if signs of sepsis)
Negative fluid balance i.e. Diuretics

Respiratory support (CPAP) initially in early stages if move severe may need mechanical ventilation (PaO2<8.3kPa on 60% O2)

Arterial line