Inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin as a selective pulmonary vasodilator for the treatment of severe hypoxaemia

Anaesth Intensive Care. 1996 Feb;24(1):87-90. doi: 10.1177/0310057X9602400115.

Abstract

Two case reports are presented where inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin (IAP) was used to good effect as a selective pulmonary vasodilator. It was used in the treatment of a patient with severe hypoxaemia secondary to amniotic fluid embolism and for hypoxaemia secondary to the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a patient with acute on chronic liver failure and intra-abdominal sepsis. An apparent dose-response curve is demonstrated in the second case. A dose of IAP of 30-40 ng/kg/min produced an effect on oxygenation in the patient with liver failure equal to that seen at the maximal dose of (50 ng/kg/min). Reduction in dose below 30 ng/kg/min resulted in a deterioration in oxygenation towards baseline/pre-treatment levels. Inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin is a potent pulmonary vasodilator with little or no systemic hypotensive effect. It is simple to administer and would appear to be a viable alternative to inhaled nitric oxide.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adult
  • Aerosols
  • Embolism, Amniotic Fluid / complications
  • Epoprostenol / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / drug therapy*
  • Hypoxia / etiology
  • Lung / blood supply
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / complications
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Epoprostenol