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Review
. 2024 Oct 28:387:e076612.
doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076612.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Katherine D Wick  1 , Lorraine B Ware  2 , Michael A Matthay  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Katherine D Wick et al. BMJ. .

Abstract

The understanding of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has evolved greatly since it was first described in a 1967 case series, with several subsequent updates to the definition of the syndrome. Basic science advances and clinical trials have provided insight into the mechanisms of lung injury in ARDS and led to reduced mortality through comprehensive critical care interventions. This review summarizes the current understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of ARDS. Key highlights include a recommended new global definition of ARDS and updated guidelines for managing ARDS on a backbone of established interventions such as low tidal volume ventilation, prone positioning, and a conservative fluid strategy. Future priorities for investigation of ARDS are also highlighted.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: We have read and understood the BMJ policy on declaration of interests and declare the following interests: LBW and MAM’s institutions receive funding from the National Institutes of Health; MAM’s institution receives funding from the Department of Defense, Roche-Genentech, and Quantum Therapeutics; LBW received funding from Arrowhead, Akebia, Santhera, Global Blood Therapeutics, and Boehringer Ingelheim; she is a stockholder of Virtuoso Surgical, a company that is not related to the topic of this review; MAM received funding from Gilead Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Citius Pharmaceuticals, Pliant Therapeutics, Gen1ELifesciences, and Calcimedica.

References

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