Clinical Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients Using Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) during Intrahospital Transport

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Critically ill patients with severe hypoxemia often require inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in the ICU.
• Intrahospital transportation poses increased risks for these vulnerable patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and impact of intrahospital transportation on critically ill patients receiving iNO.
• To identify risk factors for ICU mortality in patients treated with iNO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 221 critically ill patients treated with iNO at Soroka Medical Center (2010-2019).
• Comparison of 65 patients who received iNO during intrahospital transport versus 156 patients who did not.
• Analysis of clinical and laboratory data, including ICU mortality.

Main Results:

• Only one adverse event (atrial fibrillation) occurred during transport among patients receiving iNO.
• Maximal iNO dosage, duration of mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor support were independent risk factors for ICU mortality.
• No significant difference in ICU mortality rate was observed between transported and non-transported groups.

Conclusions:

• Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients on iNO is associated with a low incidence of adverse events.
• Patient management decisions regarding transport should consider identified risk factors for mortality.
• This study supports the safety of continuing iNO therapy during intrahospital transport for critically ill patients.