Effect of Treatment With Stress-Doses Glucocorticoid in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Effect of Treatment With Stress-Doses Glucocorticoid on Mortality in Patients With ARDS and Relative Adrenal Insufficiency

The purpose of this study is to see if stress doses of hydrocortisone improve early outcome in patients who are in early stage of ARDS and with relative adrenal insufficiency.

Inclusion Criteria:

• within the first 3 days of onset of clinically definite ARDS confirmed by AECC criteria in 1994
• 18 to 85 year old

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy or lactation
• tumor or other immunologic disease
• immunosuppressive drug used
• bone marrow or lung transplantation
• primary or secondary disease of adrenal gland
• hormone used within 3 months
• refusing conventional therapy
• be in other clinical tests within 30 days