Neutrophil extracellular traps have been associated with tissue damage. Whether these are involved in the pathogenesis of human acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and could be a potential therapeutic target is unknown.

The authors quantified bronchoalveolar and blood neutrophil

In 35 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to pneumonia, neutrophil extracellular traps were elevated in the blood and bronchoalveolar fluid, and associated with interleukin-8 and neutrophil levels;

however, higher (vs. lower) levels of neutrophil extracellular traps were not associated with mortality or duration of mechanical ventilation.