ARDS
Also written as: ARDS — Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
A severe inflammatory lung condition causing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Full Definition
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute onset of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and severe hypoxemia not explained by cardiac failure or fluid overload. In pediatric patients, ARDS is diagnosed using the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC) criteria, which include acute onset, chest imaging showing bilateral infiltrates, and oxygenation index criteria. Management focuses on lung-protective ventilation strategies and treating the underlying cause.
Usage
Usage note: Use PALICC criteria for pediatric patients, not Berlin definition used in adults.
In Context
- "The patient met PALICC criteria for severe pediatric ARDS with an oxygenation index of 25." — Assessment note
- "Prone positioning was initiated as part of the ARDS management protocol." — Treatment plan