Abstract

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.