Even when PHD2 alterations impact on the inflammatory response in mice or the hypoxic response in high-altitude residents, analyzed PHD2 genetic variants did neither impact on serum inflammatory variables like procalcitonin (PCT) or C-reactive Protein (CRP) serum concentrations nor on 30-day mortality from ARDS in our patient cohort. The gene discussed is EGLN1; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.