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. This evidence concerns the gene THBD and acute respiratory distress syndrome.