Severity, ICU management and outcomes.

*ARDS was defined using Berlin criteria [2].Pulmonary hypertension (right ventricular dysfunction) was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (excluding left ventricular dysfunction).¥ Responsiveness to corticosteroids was defined as an increase in the ratio of arterial oxygen saturation (PaO2) over fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio to more than 100 mmHg within 1 week of initiating high-dose corticosteroid therapy.£ cyclophophamide or rituximab.