Predictors of Outcome in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Acute Febrile Illness in Medical Intensive Care Unit

Aims: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a known complication of acute febrile illness (AFI). The in-hospital mortality rate of ARDS is between 35-44%. Our study aimed to identify the different parameters that could be used to detect patients at higher risk of poor outcome in AFI complicated by ARDS. Methods: 130 patients with AFI complicated by ARDS as per Berlin definition, admitted at the Medical Intensive Care Unit of Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital Mumbai, were studied over a period of 18 months. Investigations done during the course of MICU stay were noted. From the reports, SOFA score, delta SOFA score, Lung Injury Score (LIS), Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) score (by ISTH scoring system) were also calculated. Main outcome was recorded as transfer out from the MICU or death. Results: Etiology of the 130 patients of AFI with ARDS was as follows-dengue 32 patients (24.6%), H1N1 -31(23.8%), undifferentiated fever -30 (23.1%), leptospirosis-22 (16.9%), malaria-15 (11.5%). Our study had a mortality rate of 25.4 %( n=33). 40.8% of the study population required invasive ventilation at admission. SOFA score at admission and 48 hours, delta SOFA score, PaO2/ FiO2 ratio at admission and 48 hours, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, bicarbonate and albumin were the significant predictors of overall outcome. Hemoglobin, platelets and leukocyte counts, pH, pO 2 , pCO 2 at admission and 48 hours, Lung Injury Score (LIS) and DIC score were not significant predictors of outcome. Conclusion: SOFA score at admission and 48 hours, delta SOFA score and PaO 2 / FiO 2 ratio were significant predictors of outcome in patients of acute febrile illness with ARDS. LIS and DIC score were not significant predictors of outcome.