Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and the more severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) are a significant problem in Pediatric Intensive Care Units, affecting up to 16 of every 1000 children admitted to these units. These disorders carry with them high mortality rates as well as numerous long-term effects for the surviving children. As the effects of these diseases have significant social and economic ramifications for affected children and their families, research on the development of ALI/ARDS could significantly change how physicians understand the disease and treat patients.