Prevalence, potential risk factors and mortality rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome in Chinese patients with sepsis

Objective To investigate the prevalence, risk factors and mortality rate for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Chinese patients with sepsis. Methods This prospective study was based on data from consecutive patients with sepsis who attended Cangzhou Central Hospital between January 2017 and May 2019 and who developed ARDS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated independently with ARDS development. Results Of the 150 sepsis patients, 41 (27%) developed ARDS. Smoking history, presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were associated with developing ARDS. Moreover, combination of the four factors had an even better predictive value for risk of ARDS than each factor alone. 28-day mortality was higher in sepsis patients with ARDS compared with those without ARDS. Conclusions In Chinese patients with sepsis, ARDS is relatively common and is associated with increased mortality. Smoking, COPD, CRP levels and APACHE II scores may be useful in predicting sepsis patients who may be at risk of developing ARDS.