NITRIC-OXIDE FOR THE EVALUATION AND TREATMENT OF PULMONARY-HYPERTENSION IN CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE

The use of inhaled nitric oxide as a selective pulmonary vasodilator h as expanded to include patients with congenital heart disease and pulm onary hypertension. The therapeutic and diagnostic roles of inhaled ni tric oxide offer additional alternatives and benefits to these patient s with pulmonary hypertension, particularly in the postoperative setti ng. This article reviews the background, mechanism of action, toxiciti es, and current clinical applications of inhaled nitric oxide in the c hild with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension.