Fig. 1

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) high-speed train showing variables and factors affecting definition and outcome of patients with ARDS. Abbreviations: ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; ICU, intensive care unit; LPV, lung protective ventilation; MV, mechanical ventilation; PEEP, positive end-expiratory pressure; P/F, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio; RCT, randomized controlled trials; SOFA, sequential organ function assessment; SVS, standardized ventilator settings; VD/VT, alveolar dead space; VT, tidal volume