Microcirculatory alterations are associated with pulmonary dead-space fraction in moderate and severe ards

Shunt-induced hypoxemia i s considered the primary pathophysiological abnormality and main diagnostic cri- teria of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, increases in dead- space ventilation (VD/VT) can also contribute to gas exchange alterations in ARDS. Systemic microcirculatory alt...