ABSTRACT
Background ARDS due to COVID-19 infection has a unique phenotype generating a growing need to determine the existing differences that can alter existing evidence-based management strategies for ARDS, particularly those related to ventilator management.Research Question: What differences does the clinical profile of patients with ARDS due to COVID 19 and Non-COVID 19 have?Study Design and Methods: We conducted a comparative, observational, retrospective study in the ICU of a third-level hospital in Mexico City, from March 2020 through March 2022. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables were compared between patients with ARDS due to SARS-COV2 infection and those due to other etiologies. For qualitative variables, the chi-square test was used.Results We enrolled 140 patients with a diagnosis of ARDS. The study group of COVID-19 etiology were younger males, higher body mass index, progressed to organ dysfunction, required more frequently renal replacement therapy, and higher SOFA score. There was no difference in rates of right ventricular dysfunction.Interpretation: COVID-19 ARDS exhibit much greater severity that led to higher admission and mortality rates, whilst being younger and less comorbid.