Mechanical ventilation and adjuncts in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a response of the lung to both direct and indirect insults. Although much knowledge has been gained in understanding the pathophysiology of the syndrome, overall mortality in the past 25 years remains unchanged. Application of scientific knowledge to present-day technology has yielded advances in ventilator and pharmacological support for the patient with ARDS. Emphasis is now made on the prevention of iatrogenic lung injury with the use of pressure-limited mechanical ventilation, permissive hypercapnia, and artificial means of gas exchange (discussed in the chapter by Dr Furukawa). The role of INO and surfactant, as well as antimediator therapy, in the armamentarium against ARDS appears promising but awaits definitive clinical trials. Only with progress and newer therapies will we be able to improve the outlook for patients and families in the future.