Inhibition of platelet aggregation by inhaled nitric oxide in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Nitric oxide inhibits platelet adhesion and aggregation in vitro. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the platelet antiaggregating activity of nitric oxide administered to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at increasing concentrations. In six critically ill patients (mean age 37 +/- 16 yr) with ARDS (lung injury severity score > or = 2.2), the lungs were mechanically ventilated with inhaled nitric oxide (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 ppm) randomly administered. Patients with cardiac dysrhythmias, septic shock, an underlying hemostasis disorder (constitutive or acquired), a platelet count less than 100 Giga/l, or a decreased platelet aggregation and those treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents were excluded. Platelet aggregation was measured without nitric oxide and at each nitric oxide concentration in platelet-rich plasma issued from radial artery. Ivy bleeding time using a horizontal incision was simultaneously performed. After nitric oxide, a non-dose-dependent but statistically significant decrease in ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by three aggregating agents was observed: adenosine diphosphate = -56 +/- 18%, collagen = -37 +/- 18%, and ristocetin = -45 +/- 18% (P < 0.05). In each individual, Ivy bleeding time remained within normal values measured in healthy volunteers, and variations after nitric oxide did not correlate with changes in platelet aggregation. Simultaneously, arterial oxygenation improved significantly and pulmonary artery pressure decreased significantly. In patients with ARDS and without preexisting coagulation disorders, the beneficial effects of inhaled nitric oxide on arterial oxygenation and pulmonary circulation are associated with a significant inhibition of platelet aggregation. This antithrombotic effect is not associated with a significant prolongation of the bleeding time.