Prominent Cognitive Impairment Sequelae in Adult Survivors of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Purpose: The primary objective of this scoping review was to identify prominent cognitive impairment sequelae in adult survivors of an intensive care unit admission for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Design: A scoping review was performed.

Methods: Search terms were entered into multiple EBSCOhost databases. Articles pertaining to pediatric survivors, not in English, lacking cognitive impairment sequelae, or focused on a single sequela were excluded; 12 articles remained.

Results: Cognitive impairment developed in 83.5% of patients with ARDS prior to discharge and persisted in 51.3% (n = 300/585) of survivors at the 1 year mark after discharge (range: 16.7%-100% across studies). Prominent sequelae included impairments in executive function, mental processing speed, immediate memory, and attention/concentration.

Conclusions: Survivors of an intensive care unit stay for ARDS often develop cognitive impairment persisting long after their admission. Clinicians in rehabilitation facilities should screen for these sequelae and connect survivors with treatment to improve cognitive outcomes.

Clinical relevance: Early recognition of prominent cognitive impairment sequelae by rehabilitation clinicians and referrals to neuropsychologists by providers are critical to limiting the severity of impairment.