Current diagnostic criteria, therapeutic approaches, and long-term outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a common condition in intensive care units, characterized by severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. It typically develops following triggering factors such as pneumonia or sepsis. Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological findings in conjunction with oxygenation parameters, and the syndrome is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Key management strategies include low tidal volume ventilation, appropriate positive end-expiratory pressure, prone positioning, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in selected cases. Corticosteroids and neuromuscular blocking agents should be used with caution in specific patient groups. Since survivors of ARDS are at risk for long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up are of paramount importance. This article provides an updated overview of the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment strategies, and long-term management of ARDS.