This article focuses on the respiratory management and monitoring of pediatric acute lung injury (ALI) as a specific cause for respiratory failure. Definitive, randomized, controlled trials in pediatrics to guide optimal ventilatory management are few. The only adjunct therapy that has been proved to improve clinical outcome is low tidal volume ventilation, but only in adult patients. Careful monitoring of the patient's respiratory status with airway graphic analysis and capnography can be helpful. Definitive data are needed in the pediatric population to assist in the care of infants, children, and adolescents with ALI to improve survival and functional outcome.
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