Adult respiratory distress syndrome following non-thoracic skeletal trauma.

Thirty adult patients with severe non-thoracic skeletal trauma were monitored over the first five days for evidence of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Three of the patients developed progressive respiratory distress, refractory hypoxaemia and pulmonary infiltrates suggestive of ARDS. Two patients died while one recovered completely. Close monitoring is suggested for early recognition of the disease and institution of therapy.