ARDS

Causes:

• A= aspiration, acute pancreatitis, air embolism, anaphylaxis
• R= radiation
• D= DIC, drugs (heroin poisoning), drowning (near), dialysis, diffuse lung infection (pneumonia)
• S= shock, sepsis, smoke (toxic) inhalation 

Severity of ARDS: Pa/FiO2

1. Mild: 40–26.6 kPa (300–200 mmHg)  
2. Moderate: 26.6–13.3 kPa (200–100 mmHg)  
3. Severe: ≤ 13.3 kPa (≤ 100 mmHg)

Management of ARDS

• HDU/ICU admission
• Identification and treatment of underlying cause

• for suspected infection: empirical IV antibiotics

• Oxygen therapy

• Prone positioning

• Lung protective mechanical ventilation 

• low tidal volume ventilation

• ECMO- extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 

• Negative fluid balance

• VTE prophylaxis: anticoagulation 

• Correction of acidosis & electrolytes imbalance
• Diuretics, Corticosteroids
• Follow up
• Referral