The Pharmacology of Acute Lung Injury in Sepsis
Author Information
Author(s): Brian Michael Varisco
Primary Institution: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Hypothesis
What are the pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies to treat acute lung injury (ALI) secondary to sepsis?
Conclusion
Despite multiple trials, the only therapy that has demonstrated clear benefit with regards to mortality is the employment of low tidal volume ventilation strategy.
Supporting Evidence
- Acute lung injury is a major cause of death in sepsis.
- Low tidal volume ventilation has shown a clear benefit in mortality.
- Restrictive fluid management strategies are well supported despite no mortality benefit.
Takeaway
Acute lung injury from sepsis is serious and hard to treat, but using lower tidal volumes when ventilating patients can help save lives.
Methodology
This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies for ALI in sepsis.
Limitations
The review highlights that many therapies have failed in larger human trials and that there is a lack of ability to phenotype ALI meaningfully.
Participant Demographics
The review mentions both adult and pediatric populations.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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