Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious complication of sepsis that occurs in approximately one third of septic patients (34.0%). A meta-analysis of 24 studies involving 23,394 patients found that the most significant risk factors for the development of ARDS are pneumonia, pancreatitis, and septic shock. Disease severity, as measured by SOFA and APACHE II scores, as well as elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, are strongly associated with the development of ARDS. Age, sex, diabetes and cirrhosis were not identified as significant risk factors. Routine evaluation of clinical and biochemical markers may help in early identification of patients at high risk of ARDS. These findings support the need for targeted monitoring and preventive strategies in high-risk septic patients.