Iloprost in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Therapeutic Iloprost for the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (the ThIlo-Trial)

The patients will be randomized into one of two groups. Both groups will receive standard care as is state of the art. The intervention group will receive Iloprost nebulized as inhalative therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Horowitz index <300
• Bilateral opacities on frontal chest radiograph
• requirement of positive pressure ventilation
• no clinical evidence of left atrial hypertension
• enrollment within 48h of onset of ARDS
• mechanical ventilation <7 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• age <18 years
• mechanical ventilation >7 days
• patient, surrogate or physician not committed to full intensive care support
• pregnancy