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Inhaled nitric oxide does not influence bleeding time or platelet function in healthy volunteers
J Albert1, M Norman, N H Wallén
1Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|December 3, 1999
Summary
Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) does not affect bleeding time or platelet function in healthy volunteers. This suggests that NO therapy is unlikely to worsen bleeding issues in critically ill patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hematology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Previous studies suggested inhaled nitric oxide (NO) might increase bleeding time by inhibiting platelet function.
- However, findings on NO's effects on platelet activity have been inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on bleeding time and platelet function in healthy volunteers.
- To determine if NO inhalation impacts platelet activation and skin perfusion.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving 15 healthy volunteers.
- Participants inhaled 30 ppm NO or a control gas, with aspirin used as a positive control.
- Bleeding time, P-selectin expression on platelets (flow cytometry), and skin perfusion (laser Doppler flowmetry) were measured.
Main Results:
- Inhaled NO did not significantly alter bleeding time compared to placebo.
- NO inhalation showed no effect on P-selectin expression in circulating or wound blood platelets.
- Aspirin pretreatment significantly prolonged bleeding time and reduced platelet P-selectin expression.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) does not influence bleeding time, platelet activity, or skin perfusion.
- The findings suggest that inhaled NO therapy is unlikely to exacerbate hemostatic disturbances by affecting platelet function.
- This study provides crucial safety data regarding the use of inhaled NO in clinical settings.