Case Report: Inhaled Nitroglycerine as an Alternative to Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the Acute Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension and Impending Acute Right Ventricular Failure in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

In this review, two cases of severe pulmonary hypertension of different classes that have been successfully treated using inhaled nitroglycerine are presented. In a community hospital setting and in cases of life-threatening right heart failure and shock not responding to simple traditional treatments, thought should be given to the use of inhaled nitroglycerine. Inhaled nitroglycerine is practical, cheap, and readily available in any hospital without reconstitution. This approach may allow for the treatment, or at least temporary stabilisation, of these patients until transferred to a tertiary care facility.

Keywords

• inhaled medication
• nitric oxide
• nitroglycerin
• pulmonary hypertension
• pulmonary vasodilators
• right heart failure