By: Ravinder Khera.
*Researcher, DEPARTMENT OF NURSING, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh , India.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious medical condition marked by significant low oxygen levels in the blood, bilateral lung infiltrates, and extensive lung inflammation. It is often caused by a range of direct or indirect injuries to the lungs. Despite considerable advances in understanding the pathophysiology of ARDS, its complex and multifactorial nature continues to challenge clinicians in both diagnosis and management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the pathogenesis of ARDS, focusing on the inflammatory cascade, endothelial and epithelial injury, and the disruption of the alveolar-capillary barrier. Grasping these mechanisms is essential for recognizing possible treatment targets and enhancing patient recovery. The diagnostic approach to ARDS involves the recognition of clinical features such as rapid onset of respiratory failure, refractory hypoxemia, and imaging findings that exclude other potential causes of respiratory distress. Developments in imaging technologies, like high-resolution CT scans, have greatly enhanced the accuracy of diagnoses. Furthermore, recent studies emphasize the role of biomarkers in the early detection and prognostication of ARDS. In terms of management, current strategies are largely focused on mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. Adjunct therapies, such as prone positioning and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), have shown promise in improving oxygenation and reducing mortality rates in severe cases. Innovative treatment modalities, including anti-inflammatory agents, stem cell therapy, and surfactant replacement, are under investigation and may offer new hope for ARDS patients in the future. This review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of ARDS from its underlying pathogenesis to the evolving management strategies, offering insights into improving both the prevention and treatment of this life-threatening syndrome.
Keywords: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, pathogenesis, mechanical ventilation, biomarkers, innovative therapies.
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Citation:
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