Respiratory monitoring in acute multiple organ system failure

Respiratory failure is a common sequel to and a major cause of death in patients with multiple organ system injury. Detailed patient care requires monitoring of lung mechanical properties, gas-exchange, and oxygen transport in the blood. Furthermore, early recognition of lung edema, lung infection, or impaired respiratory muscle function may permit therapeutic maneuvers to prevent progressive deterioration of lung function. Unfortunately, each intervention carries with it a significant risk. Consequently, monitoring must include assessment of the adverse effects of oxygen, mechanical ventilation, artificial airways, and intravascular catheters. Shrewd analysis of limited data may commonly be more effective than sophisticated invasive monitoring with its attendant risks.