Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: Host factors in Down syndrome and the general population

We find that Down syndrome is an important risk factor for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children, but the reason why remains to be elucidated. In addition, we find several differences between adult and pediatric ARDS. The association between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and outcome of ARDS is not alike in children and adults. Also, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism is a risk factor in adult ARDS, but not in children. Despite the usefulness of a clinical definition of ARDS in protocols for treatment and trial recruitment, it may result in a heterogeneous array of underlying pathophysiology, which may attribute to the relatively sparse progression in understanding and treatment of ARDS.