Given the effects on inflammation, endothelial function, and microvascular coagulation of ABO glycoproteins by changing blood concentrations of soluble ICAM-1, selectins, vWF, and thrombomodulin (7, 43, 44), the ABO glycans may be important mediators of ARDS or AKI in critically ill patients. The gene discussed is VWF; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.