The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
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Several studies have been published in western literature on incidence, prevalence, clinical course, outcome and mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There are very few studies on the pattern of ARDS seen in Indian population. There are anecdotal reports of ARDS associated with different tropical diseases and the exact association of these life-threatening disorders with ARDS is not clearly described in the Indian literature. The study was carried out to identify the clinical pattern of Indian patients who died of ARDS. ⋯ Primary pulmonary infection was associated with ARDS is one-third of patients. Multiorgan failure was seen in 18% of patients who died from ARDS. Severe sepsis was identified as a significant risk factor for ARDS.
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Brainstem death and brain death although practically same with regards to the concept of organ donation, remain technically different. Brain death mandates irreversible cessation of all the functions of the entire brain and brainstem while brainstem death signifies irreversible damage to the brainstem. As per the Indian law, brainstem death is the legal requirement and not brain death.