[Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in preterm infants].
According to a number of recently published, randomized controlled trials, treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) by the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has emerged as an established procedure in neonatology. The situation in premature infants appears to be more complicated than in the term infant. Due to the fact that nitric oxide interferes with platelet aggregation, the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage or its aggravation during iNO therapy is being discussed in a controversial manner. Since most studies are aimed at endpoints like oxygenation parameters, the presently available studies report extremely variable incidences of intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH). Meanwhile two large studies could demonstrate that clinical application of iNO in preterm infants is not associated with an increased incidence of IVH. Further randomized controlled trials of iNO in preterm neonates are highly desirable in order to establish the future role of this therapy and its indications.
Hoehn
T
T
Klinik für Neonatologie, Charité, Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität, Berlin. thomas.hoehn@charite.de
Krause
M F
MF
Bührer
C
C
D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects
D009569:Nitric Oxide