What is ARDS?

It is an acute condition of hypoxemic failure with pulmonary edema caused by increased alveolar capillary permeability (opposed to pulmonary congestion due to heart failure) Onset: 1 week or less, bilateral opacities consistent with edema must be present, PF ratio <300mmHg with min 5cmH2O PEEP/CPAP Not fully explained by cardiac failure or fluid overload It is the most serious complication of acute lung injury, part of acute inflammation or injury