Two Cases of Nitric Oxide Inhalation for Treatment of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension after Surgical Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

ABSTRACT

Nitric oxide, an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, is a selective pulmonary vasodilator. We have built and settled down the delivery system of nitirc oxide gas inhalation for the first time in Korea. Two newborn babies delvelped near fatal pulmonary hypertension after surgical repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. All conventional therapeutic measures failed. So we decided to attempt to use of nitric oxide gas for treatment. Addition of ntiric oxide of 1-80 parts per million to the inspired gas allowed resolution of pulmonary hypertension. No side effect of nitric oxide therapy was observed, and ventilatory support could be substantially reduced as a result of treatment and could be stopped later. On the basis of the striking and lifesaving effects of nitric oxide therapy shown in these cases, we believe that nitric oxide inhalation can be used as a major treatment modality in the management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.