The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-6, IL-6r, IL-8, and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) as possible prognostic indicators for the development, severity, and outcome of patients with ARDS or at risk for ARDS. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.