JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Comparative Study
Preservation of normal lung regions in the adult respiratory distress syndrome. Analysis by computed tomography.
In this report, we challenge the commonly held assumption that the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a homogeneous process associated with generalized and relatively uniform damage to the alveolar capillary membrane. We studied 13 patients with ARDS, comparing the pulmonary parenchymal changes seen by standard bedside chest roentgenograms with those seen by computed tomography of the chest. Three patients demonstrated generalized lung involvement by both radiologic techniques. ⋯ Two patients showed patchy involvement by both techniques. The fact that ARDS spares some regions of lung parenchyma is useful knowledge in understanding the gas-exchange abnormalities of ARDS, the variable responsiveness to positive end-expiratory pressure, and the occurrence of oxygen toxicity. The problem of regional inhomogeneity should also be kept in mind when interpreting lung biopsy specimens or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with ARDS.
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Methodological constraints inherent in the rapidly growing field of resuscitation research have created an apparent conflict with newly promulgated federal regulations, especially those concerning informed consent requirements. We propose that two new concepts be applied to resuscitation research to satisfy the current federal regulations governing biomedical research. ⋯ We believe that the emergency exception to informed consent applies to resuscitation research. Recognition of the applicability of these concepts to resuscitation research should allow compliance with federal and state regulations that otherwise might inhibit or preclude such research endeavors.