Episode 6: Breathless Battles: The Pulmonary Side of MODS

Description: 

Episode 6 of The Sepsis Spectrum: Sepsis and MODS podcast

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains one of the most visible and life-threatening manifestations of sepsis. But what’s really happening at the alveolar level when the lungs “go offline”? In this episode, we’ll explore the mechanisms of pulmonary dysfunction in sepsis, from inflammatory injury to fluid shifts and impaired gas exchange. Learn how early recognition of respiratory compromise, ventilatory strategies, and supportive care can influence both immediate survival and long-term pulmonary recovery.

Learning Objectives: 

At the end of the session, the learner should be able to:

• Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to pulmonary dysfunction and ARDS in sepsis.
• Identify early clinical signs and diagnostic indicators of respiratory compromise in septic patients.
• Apply lung-protective ventilation strategies to optimize oxygenation and minimize ventilator-induced lung injury.
• Evaluate the potential long-term respiratory outcomes in patients recovering from sepsis-associated ARDS.

Target Audience: 

Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.

Guests:

Julie Bastarache, MD

Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Julie Bastarache, MD, is a pulmonary and critical care physician scientist with a research interest in sepsis and organ dysfunction during critical illness. Her translational research program at the Laboratory for Science and Translation in Critical Illness (LSTCI) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducts both observational studies in patients and experiential studies in sepsis models to define mechanisms of organ injury. 

CE Information:

Sepsis Alliance is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Sepsis Alliance designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 0.8 contact hours.

Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for 0.5 contact hours.

Financial Relationship Disclosures:

All other individuals in control of content disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Medical Disclaimer: 

The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.