Hospital mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is approximately 40%, but mortality and trajectory in “mild” acute respiratory distress syndrome (classified only since 2012) are unknown, and many cases are not detected. Approximately 80% of cases of mild acute respiratory distress syndrome persist or worsen in the first week; in all cases, the mortality is substantial (30%) and is higher (37%) in those in whom the acute respiratory distress syndrome progresses. Most patients with initial mild acute respiratory distress syndrome continue to fulfill acute respiratory distress syndrome criteria in the first week, and nearly half worsen in severity. Their mortality is high, particularly in patients with worsening acute respiratory distress syndrome, emphasizing the need for close attention to this patient population.

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