Dose-Response Curves of Inhaled Nitric Oxide with and without Intravenous Almitrine in Nitric Oxide-responding Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract
Background: Inhaled nitric oxide, a selective pulmonary vasodilator, in combination with intravenous almitrine, a selective pulmonary vasoconstrictor, markedly improves arterial oxygenation in 50–60% of patients with acute lung injury. The goal of this study was to assess dose response of inhaled nitric oxide with and without almitrine in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome responding to nitric oxide.