Canadian respiratory journal : journal of the Canadian Thoracic Society
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Acute (or adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is often associated with a high mortality rate in the critical care population. The term acute lung injury (ALI), a primitive phase of ARDS, was introduced by the European and American consensus groups to provide early diagnoses of ARDS. The pathophysiological characterization of ALI/ARDS - an increased pulmonary capillary-alveolar membrane barrier permeability - is generally not included in current intensive care unit diagnosis criteria. ⋯ The proposed IR bronchial washing assay is very sensitive in determining the pulmonary HES leakage in severe lung injury. It is also suitable for evaluating pulmonary leakage at an early phase of the injury, a fact that is particularly important for supportive treatment. The method is advantageous because no radioactive tracers are employed, little sample preparation is required, and it is rapid and minimally invasive, making it convenient to use in the critical care environment.