Table 2

Clinical definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury [76]

Clinical feature

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute lung injury

Timing

Acute onset

Same

Chest radiograph

Bilateral infiltrates

Same

Exclusion of alternative diagnosis

Pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≤ 18 mmHg OR absence of clinical evidence for left atrial hypertension

Same

Oxygenation

PaO₂ : FiO₂ ratio ≤ 200

PaO₂ : FiO₂ ratio ≤ 300

PaO₂ : FiO₂, ratio of arterial partial pressure for oxygen to the fraction of oxygen in the inspired air.

Frank and Matthay Critical Care 2003 7:233   doi:10.1186/cc1829