Evaluation of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Use in Patients with Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective: Nitric oxide therapy is not routinely used in the treatment of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS), but it is recommended to be used as an adjunctive therapy in some selected cases. In our study, we aimed to discuss patients with PARDS who were treated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy. Methods: The data of patients who were hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of PARDS and received iNO treatment between January 2016 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Age, gender, length of stay, mortality, number of days on mechanical ventilation, use of vasoactive drugs, mortality scores, lactate levels, OI (oxygenation index), PaO2/FiO2, methemoglobin levels, iNO administration time, echocardiographic findings and underlying primary diseases were recorded. Results: It was determined that 9 patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of PARDS were given iNO treatment. Except for one patient, they were diagnosed with pneumonia developing on the basis of chronic disease and PARDS secondary to septic shock. Five patients died while receiving iNO therapy. Seven patients were ventilated with iNO in addition to conventional mechanical ventilation methods. Two patients who died were ventilated with HFOV (high frequency oscillatory ventilation). In 3 of 9 patients, inhaled nitric oxide treatment was successful. Conclusion: Although inhaled nitric oxide treatment is a known treatment used in different diseases, the level of its effect in PARDS patients continues to be investigated. We think that this treatment can be beneficial when applied in selected patients and experienced centers.