Current concepts of the adult respiratory distress syndrome

The adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a sequel to pulmonary injury that may be direct, closed chest trauma or indirect, through air or vascular passages, aspiration, or fat embolization. An understanding of this syndrome is essential for the oral surgeon who not only manages severe maxillofacial injuries but is also a member of a trauma team that manages multisystem injuries. Emphasis on pathophysiologic pathways resulting in ARDS is presented with a discussion on oxygenation and ventilation abnormalities. Application of these guidelines will assist the oral surgeon in understanding the management of patients with this acute progressive syndrome.