The cause of post-traumatic pulmonary insufficiency in man.

Respiratory failure in man most frequently follows sepsis. A sign of occult sepsis may be pulmonary failure. Shock and its necessary fluid therapy may predispose to a brief requirement for ventilatory assistance. Shock and multiple injury predispase to sepsis. Mechanical ventilation with intubation has adverse effects upon the lung as well as beneficial effects of the patient. The most important adverse effect is pneumonia.