Articles: respiratory-distress-syndrome.
-
Conventional therapy in the management of adult respiratory distress syndrome is often associated with an increased mortality rate. Several methods to improve survival in patients with severe respiratory insufficiency are under evaluation. One recently developed method of treatment is an implantable intravascular oxygenator, which provides supplemental gas exchange for failing lungs. ⋯ Reduction in ventilator settings such as airway pressure, oxygen concentration, positive end-expiratory pressure and minute volume can be achieved, decreasing the likelihood of oxygen toxicity and barotrauma. Success of the intravascular oxygenator in adult respiratory distress syndrome is dependent in part on critical care staff expertise. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the operation of this device and its role in acute respiratory failure is necessary for optimal care.
-
Late adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) refers to the clinical stage of ARDS when the lung attempts to repair the initial or persistent injury to the endothelial and epithelial lining of the respiratory units. Histologically, it is characterized by the replacement of damaged epithelial cells and the striking accumulation of mesenchymal cells (fibroproliferative phase) and their connective tissue products in the air spaces and walls of the intra-acinar microvessels. Unfortunately, this reparative process is frequently ineffective, leading directly or indirectly to the patient's death. ⋯ Prolonged mechanical ventilation predisposes the patient to the development of pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections. Moreover, release of inflammatory cytokines from the lung with fibroproliferation causes fever and leukocytosis, making clinical distinction from pulmonary or extrapulmonary infections difficult, if not impossible. Anecdotal reports suggest that corticosteroid treatment may accelerate recovery in late ARDS.
-
Infection and immunity · Nov 1993
High levels of interleukin-8 in the blood and alveolar spaces of patients with pneumonia and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
There is ample experimental evidence that polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Since interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a strong chemotactic factor for PMN, we measured IL-8 levels in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of 18 patients, 12 with ARDS and 6 with severe pneumonia uncomplicated by ARDS, all of whom had an increased number of PMN in BAL fluid. Seven healthy subjects served as controls. ⋯ In plasma, IL-8 levels were increased similarly in all patients and did not correlate with survival or the presence of shock. The BAL fluid-to-plasma ratio of IL-8 was significantly greater than that of tumor necrosis factor alpha, indicating higher local production of IL-8. Moreover, the presence of a primed subpopulation of blood PMN with respect to H2O2 production indicates that IL-8 may contribute to the neutrophil-mediated process in the pathogenesis of ARDS and pneumonia.
-
Review Case Reports
Overwhelming pulmonary blastomycosis associated with the adult respiratory distress syndrome.
Few cases of overwhelming pulmonary blastomycosis associated with the adult respiratory distress syndrome have been reported. We describe 10 patients with this condition who were treated at one center in Wisconsin. ⋯ Overwhelming infection with B. dermatitidis can cause diffuse pneumonitis and the adult respiratory distress syndrome, even in immunocompetent hosts. With prompt diagnosis by microscopical examination of tracheal secretions, intensive therapy with amphotericin B, and ventilatory support, good recovery of pulmonary function is possible.