[Inhaled nitric oxide in neonatology: state of the art]

In the late 1970 s it was demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) was involved in the regulation of vasomotor tone. In Europe inhaled NO (iNO) was approved as a therapy option for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in term and slightly preterm (> 34 weeks of gestation) neonates. Therapy by iNO mainly reduces the necessity for treatment by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. However, the mortality of the underlying disease is not affected. According to our current knowledge iNO therapy for term and slightly preterm (> 34 weeks of gestation) neonates does not represent an additional risk factor for the neurological development. Today, iNO therapy constitutes the gold standard for pulmonary hypertension in new-born babies. However, the 30 % non-responders warrant a continued search for alternative treatment concepts. Prophylactic therapy according to a risk profile has not yet proved to be meaningful. An indication for the treatment of preterm neonates of less than 34 weeks of gestation has not yet been confirmed.