Acute Respiratory Failure: The ARDS and Beyond

Abstract

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe form of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and is associated with a hospital mortality rate of 40%. The Berlin definition of ARDS was proposed in 2012 and relies on clinical and radiological features. Previous studies have linked ARDS to histological diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) but other histological patterns have been reported, suggesting that DAD is not the gold standard for ARDS. ARDS “common” risk factors have been proposed by the Berlin definition and were identified upon ARDS diagnosis in more than 90% of cases. When no ARDS risk factor is identified, a standardized diagnostic work-up is warranted in order to individualize patient management.