Update in acute respiratory distress syndrome – clinical ventilator management and prone ventilation

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of acute respiratory failure. Its development leads to high rates of mortality, as well as short- and long-term complications, such as physical and cognitive impairment. Key components of a strategy include avoiding lung overdistension by limiting tidal volumes and airway pressures, and the use of positive endexpiratory pressure with or without lung recruitment manoeuvres in patients with severe ARDS.In this review article, we describe updated concepts in ARDS. Specifically, we discuss the new definition of ARDS, its risk factors and pathophysiology, and current evidence regarding ventilation management, prone ventilation, and intervention required in refractory hypoxemia.