Mechanical ventilation in the acute respiratory distress syndrome |
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Authors: | Oleg Epelbaum Wilbert S Aronow |
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Institution: | 1. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA;2. Division of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA |
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Abstract: | The management of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patient is fundamental to the field of intensive care medicine, and it presents unique challenges owing to the specialized mechanical ventilation techniques that such patients require. ARDS is a highly lethal disease, and there is compelling evidence that mechanical ventilation itself, if applied in an injurious fashion, can be a contributor to ARDS mortality. Therefore, it is imperative for any clinician central to the care of ARDS patients to understand the fundamental framework that underpins the approach to mechanical ventilation in this special scenario. The current review summarizes the major components of the mechanical ventilation strategy as it applies to ARDS. |
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Keywords: | Acute respiratory distress syndrome mechanical ventilation positive end-expiratory pressure prone positioning lung compliance transpulmonary pressure |
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