Effects of ulinastrtin on pulmonary endothelial permeability in patients with ARDS

Objective To evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on pulmonary endothelial permeability via pulseindicated continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) in patients with acute respiration distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods Fifty -four patients with ARDS were divided into mechanical ventilation group (control group) and mechanical ventilation combined ulinastatin group (ulinastatin group). The extra-vascular lung water index (EVLWI), pulmonary vascular permeability index(PVPI), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE Ⅱ) and sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were recorded.The duration of ventilation, length of stay in ICU and case fatalities of two groups also assessed. Results The EVLWI, PaO2/FiO2 and APACHEⅡ score at the 3rd , 7th day in ulinastatin group were significantly lower than the control group (t=2.27,2.86,3.91,5.34,2.52, 3.23,P0.05); the same result was observed in PVPI and SOFA scores at the 7th day (t=5.02,2.25,P0.05). After therapy, the duration of ventilation and length of stay in ICU in ulinastatin group was significantly shorter than the control group (t = 3.39,3.58,P 0.05).The mortality of 28 days of two groups were not distinct (χ2 =0.38,P 0.05). Conclusions Ulinastatin treatment improved hypoxemia, elevated pulmonary endothelial permeability, reduced duration of ventilation and length of stay in ICU in patients with ARDS.