Prediction of survival and mortality in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome.

The adult or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an increased permeability pulmonary edema that occurs most often as a complication of bacterial sepsis, aspiration of gastric contents, or massive trauma. Clinically, the syndrome is recognized as acute respiratory failure with bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph, a marked oxygenation defect, and normal or nearly normal cardiac function. Since its first comprehensive description > 25 yrs ago, the reported mortality rate of ARDS has remained high. Current series describe mortality rates in the range of 50% to 60%. The major cause of death in patients with ARDS seems to be bacterial sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction. Predictors of survival and mortality have been studied. Older patients (> or = 60 yrs) who develop bacterial sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction are at high risk to die. Younger patients who develop ARDS from trauma or other noninfectious causes have a better prognosis. Persistent metabolic acidosis on the first day of ARDS is a particularly poor prognostic sign.