NHLBI Task Force summary. Task Force on Research in Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction in Critical Care Medicine

Research accomplishments during the past decade have led to a much greater understanding of molecular, cellular, and pathophysiological derangements occurring in the lung and other organ systems during critical illness. Despite this progress, care of critically ill patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction remains a major health challenge. Expansion of research efforts is imperative and particularly opportune at this time because of exciting developments in understanding various mediators involved in inflammation and repair. Future advances in treating critical illness depend on basic understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of acute injury and repair. Key observations gained through clinical and epidemiological studies must be tested in the basic science laboratory. Increased and coordinated efforts in epidemiology, clinical, and basic research are essential for future progress.