Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung condition that affects up to 20% of patients on breathing machines in Australian intensive care units. Despite years of research, doctors still do not fully understand how ARDS develops, and there is no specific treatment. The condition can be fatal in up to 50% of cases, and those who survive often face long-term health problems, impacting their quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. ARDS often begins with a localized lung injury.  

This study aims to investigate whether inflammatory biofluid produced early by the injured lungs can spread inflammation and ultimately lead to ARDS. The project team will collect fluid from the lungs of ARDS patients and study how it affects inflammatory cells. This will help to understand if the fluid is harmful in humans and could lead to methods to prevent ARDS from developing.