Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): What It Is and What It Is Not

Faculty

Andrew C. Bernard, MD
Clinical Instructor of Surgery, Division of General Surgery
University of Kentucky Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Surgery
University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Needs Statement

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) affects thousands of hospitalized patients annually. Although many patients demonstrate some clinical criteria for ARDS the diagnosis is specific and should be made accurately. Likewise, many therapies for ARDS are based upon strong clinical evidence while others are more anecdotal and less well-established. This presentation will concisely summarize the epidemiology, diagnosis and evidence-based therapy for ARDS and is appropriate for hospitalists, surgeons, emergency and primary care physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and mid-level providers who care for acutely ill patients.

Target Audience

Healthcare providers who care for acutely ill patients.

Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to;
1. Understand basic history, physiology and pathopysiology of acute lung injury and ARDS;
2. Outline the current evidence base for treatment of ARDS;
3. Speculate on future therapies for ARDS that are currently in development.

Accreditation

Medicine
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Bernard serves on the speakers bureau for Pfizer and Wyeth; and has received research support from Northfield labs.