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Clinical aspects of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
Author(s) -
Leach RM,
Treacher DF
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
experimental physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1469-445X
pISSN - 0958-0670
DOI - 10.1113/expphysiol.1995.sp003894
Subject(s) - hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction , hypoxia (environmental) , vasoconstriction , medicine , vasodilation , pulmonary hypertension , pulmonary vasculature , intensive care medicine , disease , cardiology , vascular remodelling in the embryo , tissue hypoxia , oxygenation , oxygen , chemistry , organic chemistry
Although frequently unrecognized, hypoxic pulmonary vascular disease is an important cofactor in the morbidity and mortality of a wide spectrum of disease processes. The hypoxic response incorporates two distinct phases, the acute hypoxic vasoconstrictor response and vascular remodelling associated with prolonged alveolar hypoxia. Understanding of the mechanisms causing both processes has increased rapidly and may result in the near future in specific treatment aimed at correcting underlying physiological abnormalities. However, currently available therapies remain limited to correction of the hypoxaemia and generalized non‐specific pulmonary vasodilatation. The recent development of inhaled NO therapy represents a significant advance in the management of the acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction occurring during critical illness.