Update on pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome

Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains an important challenge for the intensive care clinician. ARDS, which can result from either direct lung injury or from a "downstream" inflammatory process, is manifested by profound hypoxemia and respiratory failure. The care of pediatric ARDS is based on a meticulous, multidisciplinary, intensive care team approach. This review discusses the changing definition of ARDS and available intensive care treatment modalities, including newer lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategies and adjunct therapies. The prognosis of children suffering pediatric ARDS is examined with a look toward areas of potential future intervention in this often deadly disease.