ARDS

Question 1

What is ARDS?

Answer 1

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and diffuse lung inflammation syndrome that often complicates critical illness.

Question 2

What is the criteria for diagnosing ARDS?

Answer 2

Acute onset (within 1 week)

Bilateral opacities on chest x-ray

PaO₂/FiO₂ (arterial to inspired oxygen) ratio of ≤300 on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ≥5 cm H₂O

Question 3

What are the Risk Factors of ARDS?

Answer 3

> Sepsis
> Aspiration
> Pneumonia
> Severe Trauma and Blood Transfusions
> Lung Transplantations
> Pancreatitis
> HX of alcohol
> Burns and Smoke Inhalation
> Drowning

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of ARDS?

Answer 4

Overall, 10% to 15% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit meet the criteria for ARDS, with an increased incidence among mechanically ventilated patients.

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of ARDS?

Answer 5

Low oxygen sats
Acute respiratory failure
dyspnoea
Increased Resp Rate
Pulmonary Crepitations
Low lung Compliance
Fever, cough and pleuritic chest pain

Question 6

What investigations do you do for ARDS?

Answer 6

> CXR- bilateral infiltrates
ABG- Type 1 respiratory failure
Sputum/ Blood/ Urine Culture for infection
Amylase and lipase- 3 times upper limit of normal in acute pancreatitis