Nitric oxide inhalation therapy for newborn infants.
Binding of NO to heavy metal-containing proteins probably accounts for many of its physiologic actions. NO inhalation is a promising new treatment for various disorders of neonates. The therapy is most likely to benefit premature neonates who are hypoxemic despite breathing pure oxygen and those who suffer from impaired carbon dioxide elimination. Newborn infants who have congenital heart disease may benefit from inhaled NO therapy if their disease involves some form of pulmonary venous hypertension or if they have recently undergone surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass grafting. The use of NO in infants with PPHN might obviate the need for ECMO or other invasive treatment methods. Neonates with CDH seem likely to benefit marginally from NO therapy. Minimizing the toxicities of NO inhalation therapy requires that the physicians understand the nuances of infant care. The therapeutic value of increasing carbon dioxide elimination with NO inhalation warrants further investigation.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0296, USA.
J W
JW
Skimming
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000188:drug therapy; D006548:Hernia, Diaphragmatic / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010313:Partial Pressure; D010547:Persistent Fetal Circulation Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009569:Nitric Oxide