The Association between Mortality Rates and Decreased Concentrations of Interleukin-10 and Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist in the Lung Fluids of Patients with the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Low concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from patients with early ARDS are closely associated with poor prognosis. These findings support the hypothesis that failure to mount a localized intrapulmonary anti-inflammatory response early in the pathogenesis of ARDS contributes to more severe organ injury and worse prognosis. Our findings suggest that augmenting anti-inflammatory cytokine defenses would be a beneficial therapeutic approach to patients with ARDS and other inflammatory diseases.