Effect of neutrophil elastase inhibitor (sivelestat sodium) in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Sivelestat is neutrophil elastase inhibitor, which is widely used in Japan for the treatment of acute lung injury. However, the clinical efficacy of the medication has not been convincingly demonstrated.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on sivelestat for the treatment of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.