Outpatient inhaled nitric oxide in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a bridge to lung transplantation

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2001 Nov;20(11):1224-7. doi: 10.1016/s1053-2498(01)00304-7.

Abstract

Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) has been shown to improve oxygenation and decrease intrapulmonary shunt and pulmonary hypertension in various lung diseases. In this study we report a patient with end-stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension who received INO after coronary artery bypass surgery, with significant improvement in arterial oxygenation and pulmonary arterial pressure. Using a pulsing delivery system, the patient continued to receive outpatient INO for 30 months while waiting for lung transplantation. Exercise study and two-dimensional echocardiogram, after 3 months of inhaled NO, demonstrated continued benefits of INO for improvement of arterial oxygenation, pulmonary arterial pressure and exercise tolerance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Coronary Artery Bypass
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / therapy
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitric Oxide / administration & dosage*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / therapy*

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide