Inhaled Epoprostenol Through Noninvasive Routes of Ventilator Support Systems.

BACKGROUND: The administration of inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) through noninvasive routes of ventilator support systems has never been previously evaluated.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the use of iEPO when administered through noninvasive routes of ventilator support systems.

METHODS: Critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit who received iEPO through noninvasive routes were analyzed. Improvements in respiratory status and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated. Safety end points assessed included hypotension, rebound hypoxemia, significant bleeding, and thrombocytopenia.

RESULTS: A total of 36 patients received iEPO through noninvasive routes: high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannula, n = 29 (81%) and noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation, n = 7 (19%). Sixteen patients had improvement in their respiratory status: mean decrease in fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 ), 20% ± 13%; mean increase in partial pressure of arterial oxygen to FiO2 (PaO2 /FiO2 ) ratio, 60 ± 50 mm Hg; and mean decrease in HFNC oxygen flow rate, 6 ± 3 liters per minute (LPM). Eight patients had declines in their respiratory status (mean increase in FiO2 , 30% ± 20%; mean decrease in PaO2 /FiO2 ratio, 38 ± 20 mm Hg; and mean increase in HFNC oxygen flow rate, 15 ± 10 LPM), and 12 patients had no change in their respiratory status. Conclusion and Relevance: This represents the first evaluation of the administration of iEPO through noninvasive routes of ventilator support systems and demonstrates that in critically ill patients, iEPO could be administered through a noninvasive route. Further evaluation is needed to determine the extent of benefit with this route of administration.