AACN clinical issues
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AACN clinical issues · May 2000
ReviewPathophysiology and implications for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a complex group of signs and symptoms caused by direct or indirect lung injury. In spite of decades of research, it is still associated with a high mortality rate. ⋯ However, novel therapies are in development, based on the knowledge of the pathologic processes of acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this article an overview of the disease process and mediator involvement is presented, followed by a review of pharmacologic and ventilation treatments currently in use or under study.