Inhaled nitric oxide for ARDS due to sickle cell disease

A 36-year-old male with a known history of sickle cell disease (SCD) and acute chest syndrome (ACS) was treated in our hospital. Gas exchange deteriorated and the patient was transferred to our intensive care unit (ICU). Low dose inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) during pressure controlled mechanical ventilation (pcMV) induced a clinically relevant increase in arterial oxygenation. The patient was weaned from pcMV after five days and discharged home 14 days later. ACS evolving to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a rare but severe complication. In ACS iNO should be considered a beneficial therapeutic option.