Aerosolized prostacyclins.
Two prostacyclins (prostaglandin E(1) and prostaglandin I(2)) are potent vasodilators. Aerosolized prostacyclins reduce pulmonary artery pressure, improve right heart function, and increase arterial oxygenation by improving ventilation/perfusion matching. This report describes aerosolized prostacyclins and compares them to inhaled nitric oxide. I review the types of inhalable prostacyclins and their indications, evidence of efficacy, delivery, and adverse effects.
Siobal
Mark
M
Respiratory Care Services, San Francisco General Hospital, NH GA-2, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. msiobal@sfghsom.ucsf.edu.
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy; D016285:Iloprost / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D044062:Prostaglandins I / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018497:Ventricular Dysfunction, Right / Q000188:drug therapy
D000336:Aerosols; D044062:Prostaglandins I; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D011464:Epoprostenol; D000527:Alprostadil; D016285:Iloprost