2002•Hospital MedicineRequires access
Should we use inhaled nitric oxide in acute respiratory distress syndrome?
M Sivaloganathan, Robert J. Stephens
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Abstract
Nitric oxide produced in the lung causes pulmonary vasodilation. In acute respiratory distress syndrome, ventilation—perfusion mismatch produces arterial hypoxaemia while increased pulmonary vascular resistance causes pulmonary hypertension. In theory, nitric oxide preferentially reaches ventilated alveoli, selectively vasodilating vessels, thus improving oxygenation and reducing pulmonary vascular resistance. But should we use nitric oxide in practice?