ISSN:
1432-1238
Keywords:
Key words Neonates
;
Phosphodi-esterase inhibitor
;
Nitric oxide
;
Pulmonary hypertension
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract A full-term, male neonate developed persistent pulmonary hypertension, and responded to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide (INO). Discontinuation of INO was attempted three times and was followed by severe desaturations due to right-to-left shunt through the patent ductus arteriosus and patent foramen ovale. As a result of this rebound pulmonary hypertension, the neonate was maintained on INO therapy for 6 days. Successful discontinuation was achieved by using the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, dipyridamole. We speculate that during exogenous INO therapy, endogenous nitric oxide was inhibited, thus cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophophate, the smooth muscle relaxant, was rapidly hydrolyzed. By inhibiting phosphodiesterase, smooth muscle relaxation occurred, and consequently weaning from INO was achieved.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01699234
