Clinical Trial: Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Pulmonary Embolism

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Pulmonary Embolism, a Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Brief Summary: The purpose of the study is to determine if inhaled nitric oxide, a potent and selective pulmonary vasodilator, is beneficial in patients with acute pulmonary embolism causing increased right ventricular afterload.

Detailed Summary: The early phase of severe pulmonary embolism is associated with high mortality. Right ventricular failure induced by the increase in right ventricular afterload is the final cause of deterioration leading to circulatory failure in patients who die from severe pulmonary embolism. Therefore, reduction of right ventricular afterload remains the central therapeutic strategy. In acute pulmonary embolism, the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance is caused by reduction in the cross-sectional area of the pulmonary vascular bed from obstructing emboli. Pulmonary arterial constriction further increases pulmonary vascular resistance, whereby vasoactive humoral factors may be contributing, which are released from activated platelets accumulating at the site of the clot. Consequently, administration of vasodilators of the pulmonary circulation may be regarded as a therapeutic option to antagonize increased pulmonary vasoconstriction or compensate for impaired vasodilation. Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) acts as a powerful selective pulmonary vasodilator. The aim of the study is to determine, if short-term inhalation of NO is beneficial in respiratory compromised patients with right ventricular dysfunction after acute pulmonary embolism.
Sponsor: Medical University of Vienna

Current Primary Outcome: right ventricular size and arterial oxygenation [ Time Frame: 2 hours ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: blood pressure, central venous pressure, right ventricular function, pulmonary artery pressure [ Time Frame: 2 hours ]

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Medical University of Vienna

Dates:
Date Received: November 28, 2007
Date Started: March 2005
Date Completion:
Last Updated: June 22, 2010
Last Verified: June 2010