Phase I Trial of Inhaled Nitric Oxide to Treat Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Study Summary

This study will test the hypothesis that patients with acute PE and dyspnea can safely inhale NO. The secondary hypothesis is that patients who are blinded to the inhaled NO concentration will sustain subjective improvement in their perception of dyspnea based upon their reported Borg dyspnea score, during inhalation of NO. Specific aims 1. Test if patients with acute PE and shortness of breath of severity ≥ 5 on a 0-10 scale called the Borg score can have inhaled nitric oxide administered via nasal cannula or face mask in a titration protocol that increases concentration by 5 ppm in 5 min steps to a maximum of 25 ppm. 2. We will measure the number of patients who meet an absolute safety endpoint during titration. An absolute safety endpoint requires execution of a rapid weaning protocol (2 ppm decrease per minute to 0 ppm). Absolute safety endpoints: Two consecutive SBP measurements more than one min apart with both readings \< 80 mm Hg;SaO 2 \<80% for more than 15 seconds; Patient deterioration as defined by: Clinical decision for need of inotropic or pressor support for any reason, seizure, new altered mental status, focal neurological signs suggestive of cerebral ischemia, evidence of myocardial ischemia, protracted vomiting. 3. Test if the patient-reported Borg score decreases with administration of NO. Patients will not be told any details about the timing of the titration and will not be made aware of their iNO concentration when the Borg score is assessed.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DRUG nitric oxide

Study Locations (1)