Thorax
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Most survivors of ARDS have persistent mild reductions of TLCO even as long as a year after their episode. The lung volumes and flows return to normal in most instances, although a subset of patients will have persistent impairment. Both obstructive and restrictive deficits may be seen. ⋯ The possibility that conventional management may augment the degree of acute injury and worsen outcome must be considered. The effects of chronic hyperoxia in humans with acute lung injury or those of high levels of PEEP compared with low levels are not known. Exploring new ventilator management strategies while we await more specific treatment directed at the primary problem of acute lung inflammation will hopefully reduce acute mortality as well as acute and chronic morbidity.