Respiratory distress syndrome--a result of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or of fluid overload.

In 14 patients with the respiratory distress syndrome it was demonstrated that this condition was caused by the administration of excessive volumes of fluid. In none of six patients examined post-mortem were any signs of thrombi or emboli observed in pulmonary vessels. Caution with the initial supply of fluids following major trauma and major surgery is recommended. By monitoring pulmonary arterial pressure, optimum volume replacement with 5% albumin solution for example can be achieved.