South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Adult respiratory distress syndrome is being recognized more frequently as a complication of a number of conditions. The causes, pathophysiology, pathology, clinical manifestations and management are reviewed in this article. The use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and super-PEEP is discussed. The value of measurements of mixed venous oxygen partial pressure (PVO2) in the treatment of respiratory failure, especially in the presence of high inspired oxygen tensions, is explained and emphasized.