The efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome. An evidence-based medicine approach.
Nitric oxide is an endothelial relaxing factor. When given as an inhalational agent in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it vasodilates well ventilated areas of lung and improves oxygenation. Nitric oxide is a highly reactive molecule with myriad biologic effects, both potentially beneficial and toxic; its use as an inhalational agent in ARDS is experimental. This article reviews the available studies of inhaled nitric oxide.
Division of Pulmonary, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA.
J H
JH
Greene
J R
JR
Klinger
D000208:Acute Disease; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000187:drug effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016278:Ventricular Function, Right / Q000187:drug effects
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D010100:Oxygen