Fluid management in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A narrative review

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in the modern intensive care unit (ICU). Major advances in the understanding and management of this condition were made in the last two decades. The use of low tidal ventilation is a well-established therapy. Conservative fluid management is now another cornerstone of management. However, much remains to be understood in this arena. Assessing volume status in these patients may be challenging and the tools available to do so are far from perfect. Several dynamic measures including pulse pressures variation are used. Ultrasound of the lungs and the vascular system may also have a role. In addition, the type of fluid to administer when needed is still open to debate. Finally, supportive measures in these patients, early during their ICU stay and later after discharge continue to be crucial for survival and adequate recovery.