Medikamentöse Therapieadjuvanzien bei ARDS

Besides sophisticated ventilatory management and physical measures (e.g., prone position) a variety of different pharmacological strategies are presently being used to improve pulmonary function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this review, current data are discussed with respect to the use of β2-mimetics, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, glucocorticoids, antioxidants, and mucolytics. Furthermore, the role of nutrition and topical antibiotics is discussed. Although animal experiments and clinical studies suggest that some beneficial effects can be achieved by each of these concepts, no conclusive evidence has been provided up to now that these concepts reduce morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from severe ARDS.