The incidence of acute lung injury (ALI) is influenced by nature of
the underlying clinical condition. The frequency with which ALI is
likely to be encountered by those practicing outside the intensive
care unit (ICU) setting is largely unknown. Data from the paper
under discussion [1] indicates that ALI is seen relatively frequently
in general wards and can be managed there until death or
recovery. In patients with predisposing illnesses directly involving
the lung, progression to ALI can be rapid.