An index to predict outcome in adult respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

Thirty patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome required intermittent positive pressure ventilation;15 survived. In 25 the syndrome followed bacterial infection or multiple injuries. From the peak upper airway pressure,the oxygen gradient and the age of the patient, an index was obtained which discriminated between the survivours and those who died from the pulmonary lesion of the syndrome. © 1986 Springer-Verlag.