ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
Source: ATS/ESICM Clinical Practice Guideline 2024, 2024 Global Definition of ARDS · Last reviewed: Jul 2026
1
Diagnosis
Acute onset (<1 week), bilateral infiltrates, hypoxaemia. The 2024 global definition broadens criteria — patients on HFNC/oxygen mask (without intubation) can also be diagnosed.
2
Protective Ventilation (if intubated)
Tidal volume 4–8 mL/kg predicted body weight. Keep plateau pressure <30 cmH₂O. Avoid prolonged high-pressure recruitment manoeuvres.
3
Decision
Moderate–severe ARDS (PaO₂/FiO₂ <150)?
Yes → prone positioning, sessions >12 h/day (ideally ≥16 h continuous). No → continue standard protective ventilation.
Adjunctive Therapies
Consider: corticosteroidsConsider: VV-ECMO (selected severe cases)Not routine: HFOVNot routine: inhaled NO
Summary of key principles, not a full ventilator protocol (PEEP titration, driving pressure need individual adjustment).