Successful Ventilation of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Complicated by Pneumothorax Using Airway Pressure Release Ventilation: A Case Report

Pneumothorax can develop in children being mechanically ventilated for ‘severe acute respiratory distress syndrome’ making the situation worse and challenging for the treating intensivist. There is no evidence on use of ‘airway pressure release ventilation’ mode in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome complicated by pneumothorax. We present a case of a girl who had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and developed pneumothorax on pressure control ventilation mode. We had to use ‘airway pressure release ventilation’ mode in view of severe refractory hypoxemia. Fortunately, the child responded well and weaned off the ventilator over few days. We suggest that ‘airway pressure release ventilation’ mode may be used successfully in patients with ‘acute respiratory distress syndrome’ complicated by pneumothorax if intensive and close monitoring is done. KEY MESSAGES: APRV may be a useful mode of ventilation in severe ARDS with pneumothorax HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chandelia S, Kishore S, Nandan D. Successful Ventilation of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Complicated by Pneumothorax Using Airway Pressure Release Ventilation: A Case Report. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(9):437–438.