Why is nitric oxide used in ICU?

Why is nitric oxide used in ICU?

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) results in preferential pulmonary vasodilatation and lowers pulmonary vascular resistance. The route of administration delivers NO selectively to ventilated lung units so that its effect augments that of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and improves oxygenation.

Which of the following are indications for inhaled nitric oxide therapy?

Indication for inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use – Surgical Patient

  • orthotopic heart transplantation [OHT] with pulmonary hypertension;
  • precapillary pulmonary hypertension;
  • coronary surgery with right ventricular failure;
  • congenital cardiac disease;

Can nitric oxide be used in adults?

In adults with acute lung injury, inhaled nitric oxide is used more often to improve oxygenation than to decrease pulmonary vascular resistance.

How does iNO help oxygenation?

It improves oxygenation via vasodilatation of the ventilated part of the lungs, resulting in decreased shunting and improved ventilation-perfusion matching. Because iNO has no effect on the systemic circulation, it does not cause hypotension or increased perfusion to the shunted part of the lungs.

How does iNO improve oxygenation?

iNO improves oxygenation by increasing blood flow to ventilated lung units. Improved PVR/SVR ratio: This results in a decrease in R to L shunting at the ductal and foramen level and an improvement in oxygenation.

When do we use iNO?

The administration of inhaled NO (iNO) has emerged as a new form of treatment for newborn infants with hypoxemic respiratory failure associated with persistent high pulmonary vascular pressure and resultant right-to-left shunting of blood through the foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus and intrapulmonary channels.

Is inhaling nitric oxide safe?

Nitric oxide has also been shown to cause DNA strand breaks and/or base alterations that are potentially mutagenic. Inhaled nitric oxide can rapidly react with oxygen in the lung to form nitrogen dioxide, which is a potent pulmonary irritant.

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