To the editor: The provocative article by Griner (Ann Intern Med 77:501-506, 1972) concerning the higher cost of intensive care unit treatment in the absence of demonstrable material benefit to the patient (that is, longevity) is welcomed and rightfully questions the appropriate role of the intensive care unit. However, the differences between the unit-treated and non-unit-treated patients extend beyond differences in sex distribution and antecedent congestive heart failure. Intubated patients accounted for 14 of 18 of the unit admissions, as compared to 8 of 38 non-unit admissions. Despite Dr. Griner's disclaimer, does this indicate that the patients admitted to the