Introduction. Oxygen deliverey and transport in the critically ill. Investigating the ventilated lung. Definitions and epidemiology of ALI/ARDS. Pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. Ventilatory management of ALI/ARDS. Ventilator induced lung injury. Non-ventilatory strategies and pharmacotherapy in ALI/ARDS. Ventilator-associated pneumonia. The difficult-to-wean patients. ICU management of the patient with COPD. Acute severe asthma. Community acquired pneumonia. Pulmonary vascular disease in ICU. Illustrative cases: cystic fibrosis and interstitial lung disease. vasculitis and neuromusculo-skeletal disorders. HIV-related lung disease and sickle lung. massive haemoptysis and thoracic trauma. SARS in the ICU

This book first appeared as a well received series in 'Thorax'. It has leading international authorship and is presented in a clear and attractive format. The articles cover management of the acute respiratory diseases requiring intensive care. They are therefore relevant both for respiratory physicians and intensivists. The clinical management articles are complemented by illustrative cases, making this an ideal text for trainees.