Inhaled nitric oxide as a screening agent for safely identifying responders to oral calcium-channel blockers in primary pulmonary hypertension.

In a subset of patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), high doses of oral calcium-channel blockers (CCB) produce a sustained clinical and haemodynamic improvement. However, significant side-effects have been reported during acute testing with CCB. Therefore, to identify accurately patients who may benefit from long-term CCB therapy, there is a need for a safe, potent and short-acting vasodilator.

[Modes of administration of beta agonists in asthma].

Short-acting beta 2 agonists have a rapid and potent bronchodilating effect and represent the basis of treatment of acute asthma. Whatever the level of severity, the inhaled route is preferred because of its high efficacy/tolerance ratio. The doses and modes of administration depend on the severity of the airway obstruction, the site of management and the available devices.