A 55-year-old woman with ARDS has a measured respiratory system compliance of 18 mL/cmH2O and a functional residual capacity (FRC) estimated at 800 mL...

Question

A 55-year-old woman with ARDS has a measured respiratory system compliance of 18 mL/cmH2O and a functional residual capacity (FRC) estimated at 800 mL (normal ~2400 mL). The concept of 'baby lung' is often used to describe ARDS. What does this term mean?

Accepted Answer

The 'baby lung' refers to the small volume of aerated, functional lung remaining in ARDS - typically 200-500 g compared to the normal 800-900 g of aerated lung; this small functional lung volume explains why a 'normal' tidal volume can cause overdistension and VILI

Answer

ARDS only affects neonates

Answer

The baby lung is a specific anatomical structure

Answer

The term refers to lung transplantation from paediatric donors

Answer

Baby lung means the right lung only

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): ARDS - Baby Lung Concept

A 55-year-old woman with ARDS has a measured respiratory system compliance of 18 mL/cmH2O and a functional residual capacity (FRC) estimated at 800 mL (normal ~2400 mL). The concept of 'baby lung' is often used to describe ARDS. What does this term mean?