Evaluation of acute lung injury cases followed-up and treated in department of intensive care unit of medical school of Akdeniz University between 2009 and 2011

Acute lung injury and its severe form acute respiratory distress syndrome is a frequently seen in intensive care units that result in high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors causing high morbidity and mortality in patients with ALI/ARDS. Eighty-three cases followed up for ALI/ARDS between January 2009 and January 2011 were included in this study. Cases were evaluated retrospectively for underlying diseases, severity of pulmonary and nonpulmonary organ failures, applied respiratory support and interventions. Forty-five of 83 patients (54%) died in intensive care unit. Median mechanical ventilation (interquartile range), length of intensive care stay and length of hospital stay were 16 (7-28), 18 (8-32) and 24 (11-45) respectively. Older age, underlying advanced disease, higher APACHE II scores, lower PaO2/FiO2 levels, higher tidal volumes, cardiovascular failure and acidosis were determined to be risk factors associated with mortality. As a result, despite the technological advances in intensive care units and progresses in understanding ALI/ARDS, mortality still remains high. The leading cause affecting mortality is a serious underlying disease.