Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Why a definition matters.

Girard, Christine; Sadana, Divyajot; Giovanni, Shewit; Torbic, Heather; Duggal, Abhijit · Cleve Clin J Med · 2025

review · Level V

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Abstract

The definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been updated several times since the syndrome was first described in 1967. The aim of the initial definition was to better study this disease and standardize its care. Each iteration has brought its own set of nuances and challenges. In 2024, a new global definition of ARDS was proposed. This review highlights the evolution of ARDS definitions over the years and discusses the key components of the new proposed global definition.

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