Inhaled nitric oxide in patients with pulmonary embolism.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) in four patients with severe pulmonary embolism.


METHODS
The intensive care unit (ICU) of a university teaching hospital.


METHODS
Four patients with severe pulmonary embolism on the basis of clinical, haemodynamic or blood-gas parameters received NO by inhalation either during spontaneous respiration (two cases) or while mechanically ventilated (two cases).


METHODS
Conventional management of pulmonary embolism in addition to the use of inhaled NO.


RESULTS
Description of clinical course, haemodynamic and gas-exchange data. Dose-response data are also described for three patients.


CONCLUSIONS
We reported four cases of pulmonary embolism where the administration of inhaled NO resulted in an improvement in pulmonary haemodynamic and gas-exchange parameters. Two patients were weaned from NO and survived until discharged from the ICU. Inhaled NO might be a useful adjunct in pulmonary embolism to improve stability of the patient prior to thrombolysis or surgery.
Capellier
G
G
Département d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Jean Minjoz, Besançon, France.
Jacques
T
T
Balvay
P
P
Blasco
G
G
Belle
E
E
Barale
F
F
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000628:therapy*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000187:drug effects*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial
D009569:Nitric Oxide