acute respiratory distress syndrome

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

respiratory failure characterised by rapid onset of widespread inflammation of lungs, leading to pulmonary oedema

Question 2

what causes ARDS?

Answer 2

• widespread injury
• vasculitis
• gastric aspiration
• pneumonia
• sepsis
• haemorrhage
• fat embolism etc..

Question 3

what is the presentation of ARDS?

Answer 3

• cyanosis
• tachypnoea
• tachycardia
• bilateral fine inspiratory crackles
• peripheral vasodilation

Question 4

what are the investigations for ARDS?

Answer 4

CXR- will show bilateral pulmonary infiltrates (substances denser than air will show up)

blood test will be done- FBC (full blood count), amylase clotting test (to test pancreas), ABG, U & E (to test kidneys), LFT (liver function test), CRP (C-reactive protein test to test inflammation) blood cultures

-pulmonary artery catheter will be done to measure pulmonary wedge pressure

Question 5

what are the complications?

Answer 5

mortality rate 50-75%, if survive there’s a high chance of fibrosis

Question 6

what is the treatment?

Answer 6

sent to intensive care, supportive care and treated for underlying cause. Resp support given- for early ARDS: CPAP 40-60% O2, for later ARDS mechanical ventilation may be required