Nov 30, 2021
Contributor: Nick Hatch, MD
Educational Pearls:
- Inhaled nitric oxide or Flolan may be considered in COVID
-
- Flolan is a prostaglandin can be inhaled or given IV
- These medications are classically used for right-sided heart failure, but may be used in COVID
- Causes pulmonary vasodilation to reduce the resistance against the right ventricle
- Complications include hypotension and hemolysis, but nitric oxide can be turned off very quickly if needed
-
- Be careful and wean patients on nitric oxide for pulmonary hypertension
References
Lotz C, Muellenbach RM, Meybohm P, et al. Effects of inhaled nitric oxide in COVID-19-induced ARDS - Is it worthwhile?. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2021;65(5):629-632. doi:10.1111/aas.13757
Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD
The Emergency Medical Minute is excited to announce that we are now offering AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ via online course modules. To access these and for more information, visit our website at https://emergencymedicalminute.org/cme-courses/ and create an account.