Open AccessEditor's note: Nitric oxide as a therapeutic agent
Author(s) -
Conti C. Richard
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960170502
Subject(s) - medicine , nitric oxide , vascular resistance , ards , anesthesia , asthma , hemoglobin , population , pharmacology , lung , cardiology , hemodynamics , environmental health
The vasorelaxant property of inhaled nitric oxide is rapidly lost because it binds to hemoglobin. Its selective action in the pulmonary circulation and bronchial smooth muscle has the advantage of not decreasing systemic vascular resistance with resultant systemic hypotension. In the adult population, patients with ARDS, COLD, asthma, and increased pulmonary vascular resistance postoperatively are likely to benefit from inhaled nitric oxide, at least transiently. However, before inhaled nitric oxide can be recommended for routine use, further study of the potential adverse effects needs to be carried out.