Nitric Oxide Story

Abstract

Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn. By Roberts JD, Polaner DM, Lang P, and Zapol WM. Lancet 1992; 130:435-40. Reprinted with permission. NO has vasodilatory effects on the pulmonary vasculature in adults and animals. We examined the effects on systemic oxygenation and blood pressure of inhaling up to 80 parts per million by volume of NO at fraction of inspired oxygen 0.9 for up to 30 min by six infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. In all infants, this treatment rapidly and significantly increased preductal oxygen saturation; in five infants, postductal oxygen saturation and oxygen tensions also increased. Inhalation of NO did not cause systemic hypotension or raise methemoglobin. These data suggest that low levels of inhaled NO have an important role in the reversal of hypoxemia due to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.