Keywords

acute respiratory distress syndrome, critical care, epoprostenol, hypoxia, inhaled nitric oxide, inhaled prostacyclins, prostaglandin, pulmonary vasodilator, respiratory failure

Authors

1. Schroeder, Nicole M. PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
2. Castiello, Danielle R. BSN, RN, CCRN
3. Siemianowski, Laura A. PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Abstract

Abstract: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high rates of mortality. Inhaled nitric oxide and inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) are inhaled pulmonary vasodilators used for adjunctive management in patients with severe ARDS. This article describes the safe and effective use of iEPO in patients with refractory hypoxemia.