[Adult respiratory distress syndrome in childhood]

Abstract

Adult respiratory distress syndrome is becoming more frequent in pediatric age. There are several factors involved in its' etiology. Sepsis is almost invariably present in all patients. Basic mechanism is an increase of pulmonary capillary permeability with production of acute non cardiogenic oedema. The decrease in compliance and functional residual capacity produce a respiratory failure with hypoxemia non-responsive to the increase in FiO2. Pulmonary hypertension and low cardiac output appear once the syndrome has developed. In its' management, cardiorespiratory monitoring is essential. Prophylaxis is based on early treatment of the essential pathological process. Corticoids are only effective if they are administered before development of pulmonary oedema. The treatment is based on: a) Moderate water restriction. b) Early respiratory assistance using PEEP or CPAP. c) Maintenance of adequate oxygen transport. The extracorporeal oxygenation guarantees the oxygen exchange but it does not affect survival. Mortality is 95%. Patients who survive have minimal pulmonary sequelae.