[Multiple organ failure with several weeks' persistence of ARDS: successful therapy with methylprednisolone].

A 21-year-old female who had developed ileus underwent abdominal surgery for adhesiolysis. Because of postoperative bleeding she required repeated surgical reexploration. Subsequently, the patient developed abdominal sepsis (Enterobacter cloacae) and, on day 11 of mechanical ventilation, severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (Lung injury score 3.