[Patients with acute adult respiratory distress syndrome: effects of inhaled nitric oxide on gas exchange and hemodynamics].

BACKGROUND

Adult respiratory distress syndrome is highly prevalent in intensive care units and has a high mortality. Lately, nitric oxide has been used as adjuvant therapy.

AIM: To study the effects of nitric oxide inhalation in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Twelve patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome, were subjected to nitric oxide inhalation at a concentration of 10 parts per million, during 30 minutes.

RESULTS

At the end of the nitric oxide inhalation period, there was an improvement of PaO2/FIO2 ratio from 89 +/- 32 to 111 +/- 43 mm Hg and a 16% reduction of lung shunting (Qs/Qt).

CONCLUSIONS

Nitric oxide inhalation at a concentration of 10 parts per million improved arterial oxygenation and reduced pulmonary shunting in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome.