[Development of acute interstitial pulmonary edema in the respiratory distress syndrome]

Acute interstitial pulmonary edema in Respiratory distress syndrome with serious functional insufficiency is frequently accidental, and presents a process which develops rapidly in the alveolar-capillary structure, especially within the surfactant system. Its biogenic anti-atelectatic activity is initially diminished, and becomes excluded in the end. Mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure is the logical way of treatment, based on the pathophysiological principle. Our clinical experience is accordant regarding the good effects of mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).