Inhaled epoprostenol utilization pattern after implementation of an administration policy.

This study analyzed epoprostenol utilization patterns in patients with ARDS after implementation of this administration policy. Drug responders and nonresponders were compared for clinical outcomes and physiologic changes before and after use, and policy compliance was evaluated. Of 79 eligible patients, 30 fulfilled inclusion criteria: 14 (47%) had ARDS and 16 (53%) had non-ARDS. In all patients with ARDS, epoprostenol was a second rescue agent after neuromuscular blockade, prone positioning, corticosteroids, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Epoprostenol was associated with statistically significant improvement of oxygenation before and after utilization in patients with ARDS (ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen 70 vs 140, respectively; P = 0.04). Overall, 10 (71%) ARDS patients were epoprostenol responders; 9 (56%) were deemed responders among subjects with non-ARDS. Comparison of outcomes between responders and nonresponders showed no statistically significant variations. Policy compliance was obtained in 24 (80%) patients. PMID: 32063756 [PubMed]
Source: Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Tags: Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) Source Type: research