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Monday, July 6, 2009

Alcohol Abuse Enhances Pulmonary Edema in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Published Online: 1 Jul 2009

Pulmonary edema is a cardinal feature of the life-threatening condition known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients with chronic alcohol abuse are known to be at increased risk of developing and dying from ARDS.

Based upon preclinical data, we hypothesized that a history of chronic alcohol abuse in ARDS patients is associated with greater quantities and slower resolution of pulmonary edema compared with ARDS patients without a history of alcohol abuse.

In patients who develop ARDS, alcohol abuse is associated with greater levels EVLW and a trend towards slower resolution of EVLW. Combined with mechanistic and preclinical evidence linking chronic alcohol consumption and ARDS, targeted therapies should be developed for these patients.


Request Reprint E-Mail: greg.martin@emory.edu

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