Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31(1): 055-065
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1246285
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Surviving Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

M. Elizabeth Wilcox1 , Margaret S. Herridge2
  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Publication History

Publication Date:
25 January 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Recent studies have begun to describe the long-term outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors. These patients experience several physical, mental, and psychological morbidities that significantly impair their health-related quality of life (HRQL). Persistent for years after hospital discharge, decrements in functional and neuropsychological outcomes result in lost savings, employment reduction, and a reduction in HRQL among survivors and their caregivers. Future research should focus on the early identification of patients and their family members at risk for long-term sequelae, the mechanisms of injury leading to long-term ARDS consequences, and therapeutic modalities designed to prevent or decrease these morbidities. Clinicians, caregivers, and patients should be made aware of the deleterious long-term effects of the intensive care unit stay because they are currently poorly recognized and potentially modifiable.

REFERENCES

M. Elizabeth WilcoxM.D. 

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital

McLaughlin Wing 2-411P, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada

Email: elizabeth.wilcox@uhn.on.ca