Background:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a frequent entity in critical care with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, it has gained relevance due to the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2 infection, in which large numbers of patients have required mechanical ventilation and treatment for a secondary ARDS. Anticipating the need for a redistribution of human health resources, we conducted a narrative review on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) with the main articles related to management of this clinical entity.

Methods:

Databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Lilacs) were searched for relevant literature including multidisciplinary texts, clinical practice guidelines and clinical studies written in English and Spanish until April 2020. Results: The main measures related to decreased mortality are protective ventilation and prone ventilation. Some therapeutic strategies, such as restrictive fluid management, have not been shown to impact mortality but rather secondary events. The use of extracorporeal oxygenation membrane has not been shown to decrease mortality.

Conclusions:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the most frequent severe manifestation of infection with SARS-CoV2. Therapeutic strategies are mandatory knowledge for professionals who face a patient with COVID-19. Few strategies impact mortality and secondary events, including protective mechanical ventilation and prone ventilation. ECMO continues to be considered a compassionate measure.

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