IL-8 was positively correlated with RAGE, Ang-2, ICAM-1 and SP-D in children with ARDS (<i>P</i> < 0.05).<h4>Conclusion</h4>IL-8 is overexpressed in children with ARDS, showing a prognostic potential particularly in combination with RAGE, Ang-2, ICAM-1 and SP-D in PARDS. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.