Pulmonary Microbiota and ARDS Mortality

ARDS is caused by diffuse intense lun inflammation. Its mortality rate is still about 40%. Despite decades of research, few therapeutics have emerged. Treatment is based on the treatment of ARDS cause, if possible and on protective ventilation, curare use and prone position. For more severe cases, nitric monoxide inhalation and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation can be considered. Nevertheless, no treatment specifically addresses lung inflammation. Lung microbiota has been shown to be associated with lung inflammation in asthma, chronic obstructive disease and cystic fibrosis. Lung microbiota also plays a role in lung immunity. Regarding specifically ARDS, one study correlated lung microbiota with the occurrence of non-infectious ARDS in trauma patients. Thi study therefore aims to analyse the correlation between lung microbiota at admission to ICU for ARDS with mortality.