Inhaled nitric oxide therapy for hypoxaemic respiratory failure following preterm prelabour rupture of membranes

Infants delivered following a prolonged period of membrane rupture can often be critically unwell. In addition to concerns of prematurity and infection, they often display signs of respiratory failure. Classically it was understood that the respiratory failure was due to pulmonary hypoplasia and often these infants were given a grave prognosis. In this case series the authors demonstrate a marked improvement in respiratory function with the use of inhaled nitric oxide therapy. The findings are encouraging and suggest that the causative pathology is persistent pulmonary hypertension, which is potentially treatable and survivable.