Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: a Prospective Asian Multicenter Study

Mortality rates in children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) are higher in Asia compared to other regions. In adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the only therapy that improves mortality rates is a lung protective ventilation strategy. The pediatric ventilation recommendations are extrapolated from evidence in adults, including ventilation with low tidal volume, low peak/plateau pressures and high-end expiratory pressure. A recent retrospective study of ventilation practices in Asia showed varying practices with regards to pulmonary and non-pulmonary therapies, including ventilation. This study aims to determine the prevalence and outcomes of PARDS in the Pediatric Acute and Critical Care Medicine Asian Network (PACCMAN). This study will also determine the use of pulmonary (mechanical ventilation, steroids, neuromuscular blockade, surfactant, pulmonary vasodilators, prone positioning) and non-pulmonary (nutrition, sedation, fluid management, transfusion) PARDS therapies. To achieve this aim, a prospective observational study which involves systematic screening of all pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and collection of pertinent clinical data will be conducted. Recruitment will be consecutive and follow up will continue to intensive care discharge.