ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS IN ADULTS

The respiratory-distress syndrome in 12 patients was manifested by acute onset of tachypnœa, hypoxæmia, and loss of compliance after a variety of stimuli; the syndrome did not respond to usual and ordinary methods of respiratory therapy. The clinical and pathological features closely resembled those seen in infants with respiratory distress and to conditions in congestive atelectasis and postperfusion lung. The theoretical relationship of this syndrome to alveolar surface active agent is postulated. Positive end-expiratory pressure was most helpful in combating atelectasis and hypoxæmia. Corticosteroids appeared to have value in the treatment of patients with fat-embolism and possibly viral pneumonia.