Abstracts » Health

Inhaled nitric oxide for the adult respiratory distress syndrome

Article Abstract:

Inhaled nitric oxide may be effective in treating patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is characterized by inadequate oxygenation of the arteries and an acute build-up of pulmonary-artery pressure. ARDS can result in pulmonary edema and heart dysfunction and is frequently fatal. The therapeutic effects of inhaled nitric oxide were compared with those of prostacyclin, which is normally used to treat ARDS, in nine patients with ARDS. Inhaled nitric oxide improved arterial oxygenation more than the prostacyclin, and the decline in pulmonary-artery pressure seen with the nitric oxide was comparable to that seen with prostacyclin. The overall lowering of systemic blood pressure associated with prostacyclin makes it unsuitable for some patients with ARDS, but this was not seen with the nitric oxide. Among the seven patients who underwent long-term therapy, the inhaled nitric oxide remained effective in improving oxygenation and lowering pulmonary-artery pressure.

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Inhaled nitric oxide and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Article Abstract:

Nitric oxide appears to increase blood oxygen levels in newborn infants with pulmonary hypertension. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring substance that dilates blood vessels. Researchers randomly assigned 58 newborn infants with low oxygen levels to receive either nitric oxide mixed with oxygen or nitrogen mixed with oxygen (the control group). Blood oxygenation levels in 53% of the infants receiving nitric oxide doubled whereas only 7% of the control group experienced increased blood oxygen levels. Mortality rates were similar but fewer infants receiving nitric oxide required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Physiological aspects, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Persistent fetal circulation syndrome

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Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in adults

Article Abstract:

The biologic actions of inhaled nitric oxide are reviewed, clinical indications for its administration in adults is discussed and possible future developments are assessed. Inhaled nitric oxide is a selective pulmonary vasodilator that improves ventilation-perfusion matching at low doses in patients with acute respiratory failure, potentially improving oxygenation and lowering pulmonary vascular resistance.

United States, Industrial Gas Manufacturing, Industrial gases, Nitric Oxide, Diagnosis, Vascular resistance

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