Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in critical illness. Severe ARF is associated with a mortality between 20% to 40%. Few genetics studies have been performed for ARF, and we do not fully understand how genes or the environment influence this disease. We aim to uncover risk determinants of ARF to improve its diagnosis and management. We will use genome-wide association study (GWAS) and gene-environment interaction analysis within the UK Biobank to: 1) identify genetic associations with severe ARF 2) evaluate gene-environment interactions with ARF. Completion of these aims will enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ARF.
