12210 (702) The Preterm Infant and Inhaled Nitric Oxide: An Inflammatory Discussion
W. Michael Southgate, MD

Abstract
Inhaled nitric oxide has been widely accepted as a proven therapy in the management of hypoxic respiratory failure in the late preterm and term newborn. More recent investigations into the use of this costly therapy in the preterm infant have generated a lot of heated discussion and little consensus, with none clearly apparent on the horizon…unless you talk to the right people…who see no controversy at all: it clearly is / isn't indicated. Pick one!

Learning Objectives
1. Identify the pathophysiologic rationale for the use of nitric oxide in the preterm infant.
2. Contrast findings among the published clinical trials and be able to interpret these for colleagues.
3. Formulate an opinion regarding whether the data supports the routine use of nitric oxide in the preterm infant to protect fragile lungs and brains.