Adult respiratory distress syndrome in children.

In spite of modern technological advances, ARDS continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality from a diverse group of disorders such as sepsis, trauma, and aspiration. ARDS represents a target organ injury resulting from activation of the host's inflammatory cells and uncontrolled liberation of inflammatory mediators. In most instances, therefore, ARDS is a localized manifestation of a widespread onslaught characteristic of SIRS. At this time, there are no proven interventions to prevent ARDS, and the management is mainly supportive. Modulation of the host's inflammatory response seems to hold the most promise for prevention and treatment of ARDS. Such strategies need to be explored with well-controlled clinical trials.