ObjectiveTo examine the pulmonary and cardiac function of children who survived an episode of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.DesignDescriptive cohort analysis.SettingPediatric clinical research center of a university hospital.PatientsUtilizing the criteria of PaO2less than 75 torr (less than 10 kPa) with an FIO2of more than 0.5 while intubated, bilateral diffuse pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph, and exclusion of cardiogenic pulmonary edema, 147 patients were identified during the 6-yr period from July 1, 1986 to August 1, 1993. Fifty patients survived to discharge and 37 were alive at the time of follow-up. Fourteen patients were eventually entered into the study.InterventionsThe study patients were given a test battery consisting of a questionnaire specific for cardiopulmonary status, a physical examination, a chest radiograph, electrocardiography, echocardiography with detailed examination of the pulmonary circulation, pulse oximetry, complete blood count, and serum chemistries and pulmonary function testing with bronchoprovocation in selected patients.Measurements and Main ResultsThe 14 follow-up patients were evaluated an average of 23 plus minus 23 months (range 3 to 66) following intensive care unit discharge. No child reported a significant alteration in lifestyle or limitation of activities. Physical examinations were generally unremarkable. The room air oxyhemoglobin saturation was more than equals 0.98 in all patients. Comparison of chest radiographs at the time of follow-up with those chest radiographs during the period of critical illness showed marked but not complete improvement in all. Electrocardiograms and echocardiograms showed new evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy in one child. The right ventricular preejection period to ejection time ratio was normal in all subjects. Eleven patients completed spirometry. Four patients were normal and the other patients had evidence of restrictive or obstructive disease either at baseline or after bronchoprovocation challenge. Ten children had lung volume measurements. Five children were normal, two showed increased volumes consistent with obstruction, and three showed decreased volumes indicative of restriction. Four of seven patients showed evidence of decreased diffusion capacity. Six of seven patients with evidence of abnormal pulmonary function had a positive response to bronchodilator administration.ConclusionsAlthough pediatric survivors of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure perceive neither a limitation in lifestyle nor chronic pulmonary morbidity, careful examination of the cardiopulmonary system demonstrates a significant number with abnormal chest radiographs and abnormalities in pulmonary function. These children require careful follow-up and may benefit from use of a bronchodilator.(Crit Care Med 1996; 24:148-154)