Laboratory Biomarkers and Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema in ARDS (PIE-ARDS)

Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid will be collected within 12 hours after intubation. Blood samples will be centrifuged, and the serum immediately stored at less than 70° C. The following biomarkers will be analysed in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1Ra, IL-18, interferon (IFN ), Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), Tumour Necrosis Factor receptor-1 (TNFr1), Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1(PAI-1), Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE), Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), Surfactant Protein D (SPD), protein C, Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), CXCL10/CXCR3, and metalloproteases (MMP9, MMP10). Blood samples obtained from the patients will be placed in specimen tubes containing heparin, centrifuged at 1500 G for 10 minutes, and then the plasma will be aspirated and stored at -70° C. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid will be centrifuged at 1500 G for 10 minutes to remove cellular contents and stored at -70° C.

Computed Tomography Scan per normal clinical practice