Acute Lung Injury in Children-Kids Really Aren't Just Little Adults

Objective: To describe the planned aims and methodology of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference. Design: Consensus conference of experts in pediatric acute lung injury. Methods: A panel of 26 experts in pediatric acute lung injury will meet over the course of one year to develop a better taxonomy to define pediatric acute lung injury, specifically predisposing factors, etiology, and pathophysiology. A modified Delphi approach that emphasizes strong professional agreement will be utilized. Results: The Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference will aim for consensus development on the following topics related to pediatric acute lung injury: 1) definition, incidence, and epidemiology; 2) comorbidities and severity; 3) ventilatory support; 4) pulmonary- specific ancillary treatment; 5) nonpulmonary treatment; 6) monitoring; 7) noninvasive support and ventilation; 8) extracorporeal support; and 9) morbidity and long-term outcomes. Conclusions: The importance of this effort for improving care and guiding future research in pediatric acute lung injury is clear. Despite the many epidemiologic, interventional, and outcome studies undertaken by pediatric intensivists worldwide, our understanding of this disease process is limited, and morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high. By consolidating the knowledge and expertise of the leaders of the field of pediatric acute lung injury, we hope to develop a framework for future progress.