In unadjusted analysis, plasma concentration of interleukin (IL) 8, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) were significantly lower in patients with RIARDS compared to those with persistent ARDS. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.