ABSTRACT
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a syndrome of respiratory failure associated with severe hypoxia and low respiratory compliance. The characteristic radiological changes are of widespread pulmonary infiltrates. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure measurements may be low or normal. The plasma oncotic pressure is usually normal. The reported annual incidence of ARDS is variable: 5:100000 being quoted in the UK, but 75:100000 in the USA. This reflects differing thresholds for diagnosis. Genomic polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme influences the incidence and outcome from ARDS.
