Eighteen patients surviving an acute episode of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were studied during the episode and then 3 or more months later. Most had recovered to a degree that allowed normal work habits and life-style. Ten showed evidence of dyspnea at follow-up, and seven showed mild depression of pulmonary function. The duration of mechanical ventilation, the maximum FIO2 administered, and the use of PEEP did not influence the degree of respiratory recovery, nor did the precipitating cause of ARDS. Sequential re-examination showed no further recovery of respiratory function after the first 3 months. The only factor that correlated with the sequelae of ARDS was age: the younger the patient, the better the chance of full recovery.
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