The application of inhaled nitric oxide in management of postoperative pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in management of postoperative pulmonary hypertension in the patients with congenital heart disease. Methods Thirty-two children with refractory pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary hypertensive crisis after open heart operations for congenital heart disease were treated with iNO. The changes of hemodynamics were observed. Results In iNO therapy group,the mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP) decreased from (38.0 ±3.2) mm Hg to (28.0 ±2.1) mm Hg,pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreased from (62.2 ±6.7) kPa/(L·S) to (49.9 ±5.6) kPa/(L·S) ,PaO2/FiO2increased from (67.0 ±30. 1 ) mm Hg to (92. 6 ±25.0) mm Hg,and arterial oxygen saturation increased from 0. 78 ±0. 14 to 0. 84 ±0. 09 respectively. No toxic side effect was observed.Conclusion iNO is effective, safe to reduce pulmonary hypertension. It may play an important role in the treatment of postoperative pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary hypertensive crisis in the patients with congenital heart disease. Key words: Congenital heart disease; Nitric oxide; Pulmonary hypertension