The Presence of Neutrophil Elastase and Evidence of Oxidation Activity in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Patients with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome1,2

Evidence obtained by biochemical analysis of BAL fluids from patients with ARDS indicates that at least two important pathogenic events take place in the pulmonary tissues. These are the release of elastase from neutrophils and the generation of oxidants. Both events can lead to severe pulmonary injury, as has been demonstrated in laboratory animals and isolated perfused lungs.