|
|
Memphis Lung Research Program webmaster:
Gail Spake |
What research has MLRP done on ARDS?
Our
investigators have been studying ARDS since 1989 at the University of Tennessee
Health Science Center at Memphis, Tennessee. Our early investigations concentrated
on monitoring the natural history of ARDS, during which time the important
observation was made that steroid rescue therapy appeared to be helpful
in resolving ARDS. This was an important discovery because other investigators
had disputed that steroids worked to treat ARDS. We found that how long
a patient had ARDS at the start of treatment, the dosage of steroids given,
and the length of steroid administration are all important factors in determining
treatment response.
During the next phase of our research we completed a controlled study, which
required use of steroids and controls (placebo/no steroids), in order to
prove to the scientific community that our observations were correct. We
found that survival and length of time on a breathing machine for those
with unresolved ARDS (defined as having ARDS for at least 7 days) who were
treated with steroids was much better when compared with those who did not
receive steroids. These results were published in the July 1998 issue of
the Journal of the American Medical Association. This was a very important
study and has changed treatment for many ARDS patients.
What research is MLRP doing now?
The
Memphis Lung Research Program’s current research focuses on treatment—within
the first 72 hours of developing ARDS—using a lower dosage of steroids.
Our study is a controlled study (similar to our previous study) in which
neither the investigators nor the patients know which drug the patients
are receiving. However, in this study, patients from either group who have
not improved by 8-10 days of treatment initiation have their study drug
changed to the higher dose of steroids, administered according to the dosage
guidelines from our 1998 published study. Patients who do improve by day
8-10 continue their initial treatment. All patients are monitored very closely
throughout the course of the study by our research team of nurses and investigators.
There are some patients who improve spontaneously before day 7. We believe
earlier treatment will speed the resolution of ARDS and improve each patients
chance of recovery.
In addition to the clinical studies, our laboratory investigations may give
additional insight into the progression of ARDS as we learn more about the
cellular and genetic mechanisms behind the inflammation that results in
ARDS. Information from our laboratory revealed the importance of duration
of steroid therapy in the treatment of ARDS and led to development of our
current study. We believe our discoveries will continue to improve the care
given at the bedside as we search for ways to prevent and cure ARDS.
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
