Treatment of Sepsis in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when systemic infection drives acute, severe lung injury — a complication that substantially narrows the range of safe and effective management options compared with sepsis alone.

Clinical Scenario

This protocol is directed at adults in whom sepsis has resulted in ARDS. The concurrent presence of systemic infection and acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure defines this sub-population and determines the clinical decisions that follow.

Management Approach

When conventional mechanical ventilation is no longer adequate in this setting, the protocol outlines escalation to an advanced extracorporeal respiratory support strategy — one whose safe application depends on centre experience and appropriate infrastructure. The full decision pathway, criteria, and sequencing are contained in the complete protocol.