Inhaled Nitric Oxide at Birth Reduces Pulmonary Vascular Resistance and Improves Oxygenation in Preterm Lambs

Resuscitation with 21% O(2) may not achieve target oxygenation in preterm infants and in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) at birth can reduce pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and improve PaO(2). We studied the effect of iNO on oxygenation and changes in PVR in preterm lambs with and without PPHN during resuscitation and stabilization at birth. Preterm lambs with and without PPHN (induced by antenatal ductal ligation) were delivered at 134 d gestation (term is 147–150 d). Lambs without PPHN were ventilated with 21% O(2), titrated O(2) to maintain target oxygenation or 21% O(2) + iNO (20 ppm) at birth for 30 min. Preterm lambs with PPHN were ventilated with 50% O(2), titrated O(2) or 50% O(2) + iNO. Resuscitation with 21% O(2) in preterm lambs and 50%O(2) in PPHN lambs did not achieve target oxygenation. Inhaled NO significantly decreased PVR in all lambs and increased PaO(2) in preterm lambs ventilated with 21% O(2) similar to that achieved by titrated O(2) (41 ± 9% at 30 min). Inhaled NO increased PaO(2) to 45 ± 13, 45 ± 20 and 76 ± 11 mmHg with 50% O(2), titrated O(2) up to 100% and 50% O(2) + iNO, respectively, in PPHN lambs. We concluded that iNO at birth reduces PVR and FiO(2) required to achieve target PaO(2).