Pathogenic mechanisms in acute respiratory distress syndrome

L. Azamfirei, Ruxandra Copotoiu

Disciplina ATI, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Târgu Mureş

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which manifests as non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, respiratory distress and hypoxemia could result from various pathologies that directly or indirectly injure the lung. Investigations in experimental models and humans with ARDS have revealed many molecular mechanisms. This review presents the role of extracellular matrix in ARDS, the most recent information derived from respiratory mechanics, the cellular and humoural mediators involved in the pathogenesis of ARDS, the close link between inflammation and coagulation and the perspectives of the genomic techniques in patients with ARDS.

Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome, extracellular matrix, respiratory mechanics, inflammatory mediator