Which condition is commonly treated with inhaled nitric oxide?

• A. Meconium aspiration syndrome
• B. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
• C. Transient tachypnea of the newborn
• D. Respiratory distress syndrome

Answer: (D)

Inhaled nitric oxide is a selective pulmonary vasodilator that lowers pulmonary vascular resistance and improves oxygenation by improving ventilation–perfusion matching. It is most commonly used for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, especially when there is right-to-left shunting and severe hypoxemia. Meconium aspiration can contribute to PPHN, but transient tachypnea of the newborn and respiratory distress syndrome without pulmonary hypertension are not treated routinely with iNO; RDS is managed mainly with surfactant and ventilatory support. Thus, the condition most typically treated with inhaled nitric oxide is persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.