Effects of ulinastatin on oxygenation index and mortality in patients with ARDS

Objective To study the effects of ulinastatin on oxygenation index and mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods 82 patients with ARDS were divided into the study group and the control group.The patients in the control group were treated by regular treatment and mechanical ventilation,and while those in the study group were treated additionally by ulinastatin(2.0×106 u,intravenously guttae,every 12 hours for 7 days).The effect of therapy in the two group was evaluated by assessing the respiratory rate,oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2),PaCO2 and mortality of 28 days.Results There were no differences in age,respiratory rate,oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2) and PaCO2between the two groups before treatment(P0.05).Seven days after treatment,the respiratory rate in the study group(19.8±6.2) was significantly lower than it in the control group(27.5±5.3),P0.01.The oxygenation index was significantly higher,(352.1±38.8) and(291.2±31.6) respectively,P0.01.The levels of PaCO2 was significantly higher(P0.01),but were all within the normal range.The mortality of 28 days was lower,23.8% and 30.0% respectively,with no statistically significant differences between the two groups(P0.05),Conclusion Treatment with ulinastatin can improve oxygenation index and pulmonary function in patients with ARDS.