title: Inhaled nitric oxide in cardiology practice.
abstract: Inhaled nitric oxide allows selective pulmonary vasodilatation with rapidity of action. It is effective in the acute post-operative management of pulmonary hypertension in cardiac surgical patients and is also valuable in assessing the pulmonary vasodilator capacity in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension. This review examines the current role of inhaled nitric oxide in cardiac medicine, discussing issues concerning its administration and toxicity, as well as a summary of clinical studies in cardiac patients. New roles, as a modifier of platelet and leukocyte function, post-thrombolysis and following lung transplantation are described. New agents and alternative therapies, which prolong pulmonary activity, are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK. c.s.hayward@ic.ac.uk
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Hayward
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Macdonald
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000276:immunology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects; D016276:Ventricular Function / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D009569:Nitric Oxide