SYSTEMIC LEVELS OF 6-KETO-PROSTAGLANDIN F1-ALPHA FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF INHALED AEROSOLIZED PROSTACYCLIN

A case is described where systemic levels of prostacyclin metabolite w ere measured during inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin (LAP) therapy for severe hypoxaemia in a patient with the acute respiratory distress sy ndrome. Comparable levels of prostacyclin metabolite have been associa ted with a marked platelet aggregation defect in vitro. A platelet agg regation defect was also demonstrated in vivo in this patient. Haemody namic and gas exchange data during the LAP therapy are described.