10. An Official American Thoracic Society/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline: Mechanical Ventilation in Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

An Official American Thoracic Society/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine/Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline: Mechanical Ventilation in Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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CEUs: 2 Clinical

Average read time: 55 minutes.

Short Summary of the Article:

The article provides updated evidence-based clinical guidelines on the use of mechanical ventilation in adult patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The recommendations include using lower tidal volumes (4-8 ml/kg) and inspiratory pressures under 30 cm H2O for all ARDS patients. For patients with severe ARDS, prone positioning for more than 12 hours per day is recommended. Additionally, routine use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation is discouraged. Conditional recommendations are made for using higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuvers in moderate to severe ARDS cases. The guidelines highlight the need for further evidence on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in severe ARDS cases

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:

1. The Use of Lower Tidal Volumes and Inspiratory Pressures in ARDS Patients: Learners will understand the importance of limiting tidal volumes and inspiratory pressures to reduce lung injury and improve outcomes in ARDS management.
2. The Application of Prone Positioning in Severe ARDS: Learners will recognize the benefits of prone positioning in improving oxygenation and reducing mortality in severe ARDS cases, and when it should be applied.
3. The Role of ECMO and Other Interventions in Severe ARDS: Learners will gain insights into when and how to use ECMO, PEEP, and recruitment maneuvers in severe ARDS cases based on conditional recommendations and current evidence gaps.

(Max of 3 Attempts)