Effects Of Inhaled Nitric Oxide And Oxygen In High Altitude Pulmonary Edema

摘要

The use of inhaled nitric oxide in acutely ill patients with high altitude pulmonary edema was first reported in 1998. We demonstrated that both nitric oxide and oxygen cause an acute decrease in pulmonary artery pressure, intrapulmonary shunting and improvement in oxygenation. There appears to be an additive effect on pulmonary hemodynamics and an even greater effect on gas exchange when both oxygen and nitric oxide are delivered simultaneously. While further studies are necessary to determine the potential long-term benefits or adverse sequelae associated with nitric oxide use, this report suggests that there may be significant benefits for patients who are acutely ill with high altitude pulmonary edema. This report may also provide some insight into the mechanism whereby nitric oxide and oxygen improve gas exchange in a hypoxic hypobaric atmosphere.