Optimizing Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Critically Ill Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: This systematic review aims to evaluate the optimal management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill surgical patients, specifically focusing on positioning, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use, ventilation, fluid resuscitation, and pharmacological treatments.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted utilizing four databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and ProQuest. This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered with The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Studies published until May 20, 2024, that assessed the management of ARDS in critically ill surgical adult populations were included in our review. The primary outcome of interest was mortality, with secondary outcomes like intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, and oxygenation also being considered.

Results: A total of fifteen studies met inclusion criteria; four studies assessed positional interventions, four assessed treatments with ECMO, three assessed mechanical ventilation settings, and four assessed fluid resuscitation and medications. Prone position was found to decrease mortality, ICU LOS, ventilator days, and increased oxygenation (P < 0.001). ECMO utilization decreased the overall mortality rate when compared to patients without ECMO (36.4% versus 43.9%, P < 0.001). Maintaining a tidal volume ≤8 mL/kg body weight and plateau pressure ≤35 cm H₂O on mechanical ventilation also decreased patient mortality (P < 0.001). Finally, conservative fluid management decreased ICU LOS, whereas methylprednisolone use demonstrated decreased mortality.

Conclusions: Prone positioning, ECMO utilization, lung protective ventilation settings, and methylprednisolone reduced mortality among surgical patients with ARDS. In addition, prone positioning and conservative fluid management were associated with decreased ICU LOS, ventilator days, and improved oxygenation status.

Keywords: Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Critical care; Management; Patient outcomes; Surgical patients; Trauma patients.