Critical care clinics
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Invasive mechanical ventilation allows clinicians to support gas exchange and work of breathing in patients with respiratory failure. However, there is also potential for iatrogenesis. ⋯ The ventilator can also provide crucial diagnostic information in the form of respiratory mechanics. These, and the mechanical ventilation strategy, should be regularly reassessed.
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Acute respiratory failure relies on supportive care using non-invasive and invasive oxygen and ventilatory support. Pharmacologic therapies for the most severe form of respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are limited. ⋯ Treatment requires prompt recognition of ARDS and an understanding of which patients may benefit most from specific pharmacologic interventions. The key to finding effective pharmacotherapies for ARDS may rely on deeper understanding of pathophysiology and bedside identification of ARDS subphenotypes.