The aim of the study is the evaluation of the influence of surfactant replacement therapy on the life-span of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in fatal cases. It has been determined, that in patients, were died from ARDS, exogenous surfactant therapy increases life-span from the moment of establishing of diagnosis of syndrome to fatal outcome. The initial functional state of lungs does not influence on life-span of patients with ARDS, but administration of exogenous surfactant is the important predictor of its increase.