Nitric oxide, an important signaling molecule with multiple regulatory effects throughout the body, is an important tool for the treatment of full-term and late-preterm infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and hypoxemic respiratory failure. Several randomized controlled trials have evaluated its role in the management of preterm infants ≤34 weeks' gestational age with varying results. The purpose of this clinical report is to summarize the existing evidence for the use of inhaled nitric oxide in preterm infants and provide guidance regarding its use in this population. Pediatrics 2014;133:164-170
INTRODUCTIONNitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule with multiple regulatory effects throughout the body. In perinatal medicine, inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) was initially studied for its pulmonary vasodilating effects in infants with pulmonary hypertension and has since become an important tool for the treatment of full-term and late-preterm infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and hypoxemic respiratory failure. 1 Inhaled NO also has multiple and complex systemic and pulmonary effects. In animal models of neonatal chronic lung disease, iNO stimulates angiogenesis, augments alveolarization, improves surfactant function, and inhibits proliferation of smooth muscle cells and abnormal elastin deposition. [2][3][4][5][6] Although the evidence for similar benefits in preterm infants is lacking, the off-label use of iNO in this population has escalated. 7 A study published in 2010 reported a sixfold increase (from 0.3% to 1.8%) in the use of iNO among infants born at less than 34 weeks' gestation between 2000 and 2008. 7 The greatest increase occurred among infants who were born at 23 to 26 weeks' gestation (0.8% to 6.6%). The National Institutes of Health convened a consensus panel in October 2010 to evaluate the evidence for safety and efficacy of iNO therapy in preterm infants. After reviewing the published evidence, the panel concluded that the available evidence does not support the use of iNO in early routine, early rescue, or later rescue regimens in the care of infants born at less than 34 weeks' gestation and that hospitals, clinicians, and the pharmaceutical industry should avoid marketing iNO for this group of infants. 8 An individual-patient data meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials reached similar conclusions. 9 The purpose of this clinical report is to summarize the Praveen Kumar MD, FAAP, and COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN KEY WORDS inhaled nitric oxide, preterm infants, hypoxic respiratory failure, bronchopulmonary dysplasia ABBREVIATIONS BPD-bronchopulmonary dysplasia iNO-inhaled nitric oxide NO-nitric oxide NOCLD-Nitric