[Management of acute respiratory distress syndrome in Midi-Pyrnees].
OBJECTIVE
To assess management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Midi-Pyrénées, France.


METHODS
A prospective study using a questionnaire divided into 10 parts, definition, etiology, radiography, computed tomography, management, was conducted in 26 intensive care units in the Midi-Pyrénées. Management of ARDS in Midi-Pyrénées was comparted with management elsewhere as described in the literature.


RESULTS
Overall participation rate was 73%. Disparities were found concerning the definition. Four etiologies accounted for 75% of all ARDS cases. Chest x-rays were used for positive diagnosis and thoracic scans for complications. Ventilatory and hemodynamic optimizations were the first line therapy used. Twenty-nine percent and 41% of the intensive care unites used nitric oxide and prone position respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
There are differences between ARDS management in Midi-Pyrénées and that described in the current literature. Epidemiologic studies such as this one are necessary before publishing guidelines for the management of ARDS.
Fuzier
R
R
Service de Réanimation respiratoire, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse. fuzier.r@chu-toulouse.fr
Mercier-Fuzier
V
V
Chaminade
B
B
Georges
B
B
Decun
J F
JF
Cougot
P
P
Ducassé
J L
JL
Virenque
C
C
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*
D009569:Nitric Oxide