Sepsis
ICD-10 A41.9; A40.8; A40.9; A41.8 · ICD-11 1G40

Treatment of Sepsis in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Clinical Scenario

This protocol addresses adults presenting with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) — a severe form of lung injury that arises as a direct consequence of sepsis. The presence of ARDS significantly shapes ventilatory management in these patients.

Management Approach

Care is guided by a lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategy, with specific parameter targets that differ depending on ARDS severity. The full protocol defines the precise goals, thresholds, and how recommendations adjust across the mild, moderate, and severe spectrum.

Complete targets, ventilatory thresholds, and severity-stratified guidance are available in the structured protocol below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

  1. For adults with sepsis-induced ARDS, we recommend using a low tidal volume ventilation strategy (6 mL/kg), over a high tidal volume strategy (> 10 mL/kg).
  2. For adults with sepsis-induced severe ARDS, we recommend using an upper limit goal for plateau pressures of 30 cm H2O, over higher plateau pressures.
  3. For adults with moderate to severe sepsis-induced ARDS, we suggest using higher PEEP over lower PEEP.
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005337 View source ↗