The Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Pulmonary Ventilation-Perfusion Matching Following Smoke Inhalation Injury.

Abstract

Background: We previously reported that inhaled nitric oxide (NO) improved pulmonary function following smoke inhalation. This study evaluates the physiologic mechanism by which inhaled NO improves pulmonary function in an ovine model. Methods: Forty-eight hours following wood smoke exposure to produce a moderate inhalation injury, 12 animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated (Fio2, 0.40; tidal volume, 15 mUkg; PEEP, 5 cm H20) for 3 hours. For the first and third hours, each animal was ventilated without NO: for the second hour, all animals were ventilated with 40 ppm NO. Cardiopulmonary variables and blood gases were measured every 30 minutes. The multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET) was performed during the latter 30 minutes of each hour. The data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: Pulmonary arterial hypertension and hypoxemia following smoke inhalation were significantly attenuated by inhaled NO compared with the values without NO (p <0.05, ANOVA). Smoke inhalation resulted in a significant increase in blood flow distribution to low VAlO areas ("N 0 <0.10) with increased VNQ dispersion. These changes were only partially attenuated by the use of inhaled NO. The SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) retention ratio was also decreased by inhaled NO. Peak inspiratory pressures and pulmonary resistance values were not affected by inhaled NO. Conclusions: Inhaled NO moderately improved VNQ mismatching following smoke inhalation by causing selective pulmonary vasodilation of ventilated areas in the absence of bronchodilation. This modest effect appears to be limited by the severe inflammatory changes that occur as a consequence of smoke exposure.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA297091

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airway Management
  • Arteries
  • Blood
  • Blood Flow
  • Blood Gases
  • Burns
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Health Services
  • Lung Diseases
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Pulmonary Function
  • Respiratory Physiological Phenomena
  • Veins
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology