Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension

Pivotal trials investigating the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in the 1990s led to approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999. Inhaled nitric oxide is the only approved pulmonary vasodilator for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Selective pulmonary vasodilation with iNO in near-term and term neonates with PPHN is safe, and targeted use of iNO in less mature neonates with pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be beneficial. This review addresses a brief history of iNO, clinical features of neonatal PH, and the clinical application of iNO.