Successful reversal of persistent fetal circulation by inhaled nitric oxide in a newborn with overwhelming sepsis

The authors report a case of successful reversal of persistent fetal circulation (PFC) by inhaled nitric oxide (NO) therapy in a child with overwhelming sepsis. Criteria for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were reached but due to an intracranial hemorrhage ECMO was contraindicated. Inhaled NO in combination with surfactant administration caused a dramatic reversal of the PFC. Inhaled NO therapy may be a useful and easily accessible measure for the treatment of PFC. It is more simple, and therefore may be more widely applicable, than ECMO.