THE VALUE OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR ELASTASE IN ADULT-RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS-SYNDROME

The clinical usefulness of quantitative plasma polymorphonuclear elast ase (PMN-elastase) determinations as prognostic markers of adult respi ratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in polytraumatized patients was analyz ed. PMN-elastase and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined i n 55 polytraumatized patients admitted into the Intensive Care Unit. E ight patients developed ARDS and 47 patients did not. These parameters were also analyzed in a control group (n = 34). PMN-elastase levels i n ARDS cases reached significantly higher values than in patients who did not develop this syndrome (P < 0.01). We conclude that the increas e in plasma PMN-elastase levels can be useful in predicting the develo pment of ARDS in polytraumatized patients, in instituting prophylactic actions and monitoring the course of the disease in these high risk p atients. This test is easily adaptable to the routine of any hospital laboratory.