According to the ARMA trial, what is the recommended tidal volume in ARDS management?

The recommended tidal volume in the management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is 4-6 mL/kg of ideal body weight. This recommendation is based on the findings of the ARMA (Acute Respiratory Management in ARDS) trial, which established that using lower tidal volumes reduces mortality and improves lung protection in patients with ARDS. The lower tidal volume strategy minimizes ventilator-induced lung injury by promoting adequate gas exchange while limiting overdistension of the alveoli, which can further exacerbate lung injury.

The ARMA trial demonstrated that conventional higher tidal volume ventilation (8-10 mL/kg) was associated with higher mortality compared to the lower tidal volume strategy. Thus, adhering to a tidal volume of 4-6 mL/kg is crucial for optimal management of ARDS, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice in critical care settings.