 This study compared the effect of corticosteroids with placebo in the management of late-phase greater than seven days ARDS. The study determined if the administration of the corticosteroid, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, in severe ARDS that was either stable or worsening after seven days, would reduce mortality and morbidity. The primary endpoint was mortality at 60 days. Secondary endpoints included ventilator-free days and organ failure-free days. LaSRS was designed to include 400 patients and began recruiting in the Spring of 1997. In October 1999, the data and safety monitoring board DSMB reduced the recruitment target number to 200 patients because the eligible patients were fewer than anticipated. 