Drug-Induced Pulmonary Edema and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Children

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and to a lesser extent, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) are common clinical manifestations of drug-induced lung diseases. Clinical features and radiographic appearances are generally indistinguishable from other causes of pulmonary edema and ARDS. Typical manifestations include dyspnoea, chest discomfort, tachypnoea, and hypoxemia. Chest radiographs commonly reveal interstitial and alveolar filling infiltrates without cardiomegaly. The laboratory results are usually nonspecific. We illustrate potential aetiologies relating to ARDS and the recognition of mucolytic drug use as one of the pathophysiologic factors of ARDS.