Quantitative CT scan and response to pronation in COVID-19 ARDS.

Background: The use of the prone position (PP) has been widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it has demonstrated benefits, including improved oxygenation and lung aeration, the factors influencing the response in terms of gas exchange to PP remain unclear. In particular, the association between baseline quantitative Computed Tomography (qCT) scan results and gas exchange response to PP in intubated, mechanically ventilated subjects with COVID-19 ARDS is unknown. The present study aimed to compare baseline qCT results between subjects responding to PP in terms of oxygenation or carbon dioxide (CO2) clearance and those who did not.Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective observational study, including critically ill, intubated, mechanically ventilated subjects with COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome admitted to the ICUs of Niguarda Hospital between March 2020 and November 2021. Blood-gas samples were collected before and after PP. Subjects in whom the PaO2/FiO2 increase was ≥ 20 mmHg after PP were defined as Oxygen responders (Oxy-R). CO2-responders (CO2R) were defined when the ventilatory ratio (VR) decreased during PP. Automated qCT analyses were performed to obtain tissue mass and density of the lungs.Results: One hundred twenty-five subjects were enrolled, of which 116 (93%) were Oxy-R and 51 (41%) CO2R. No difference in qCT characteristics and oxygen were observed between Oxy-R and Oxygen Non Responders (Tissue mass 1532 ±396 vs. 1654 ±304 g, p= .28; density -544±109 vs. -562±58 HU, p= .42). Similar findings were observed when dividing the population according to CO2 response (Tissue mass 1551±412 vs. 1534±377 g, p= .89; density -545±123 vs. -546±94 HU, p= .99).Conclusions: Most COVID-19 related ARDS subjects improve their oxygenation at the first pronation cycle. The study suggests that baseline qCT scan data are not associated with the response to PP in oxygenation or CO2 in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 related ARDS subjects.

Detection of patients with COVID-19 by the emergency medical services in Lombardy through an operator-based interview and machine learning models.

BACKGROUND: The regional emergency medical service (EMS) in Lombardy (Italy) developed clinical algorithms based on operator-based interviews to detect patients with COVID-19 and refer them to the most appropriate hospitals. Machine learning (ML)-based models using additional clinical and geospatial epidemiological data may improve the identification of infected patients and guide EMS in detecting COVID-19 cases before confirmation with SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase PCR (rtPCR). METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective cohort study using data from October 2020 to July 2021 (training set) and October 2021 to December 2021 (validation set) from patients who underwent a SARS-CoV-2 rtPCR test within 7 days of an EMS call. The performance of an operator-based interview using close contact history and signs/symptoms of COVID-19 was assessed in the training set for its ability to determine which patients had an rtPCR in the 7 days before or after the call. The interview accuracy was compared with four supervised ML models to predict positivity for SARS-CoV-2 within 7 days using readily available prehospital data retrieved from both training and validation sets. RESULTS: The training set includes 264 976 patients, median age 74 (IQR 55-84). Test characteristics for the detection of COVID-19-positive patients of the operator-based interview were: sensitivity 85.5%, specificity 58.7%, positive predictive value (PPV) 37.5% and negative predictive value (NPV) 93.3%. Contact history, fever and cough showed the highest association with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the validation set (103 336 patients, median age 73 (IQR 50-84)), the best-performing ML model had an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.86), sensitivity 91.4% (95 CI% 0.91 to 0.92), specificity 44.2% (95% CI 0.44 to 0.45) and accuracy 85% (95% CI 0.84 to 0.85). PPV and NPV were 13.3% (95% CI 0.13 to 0.14) and 98.2% (95% CI 0.98 to 0.98), respectively. Contact history, fever, call geographical distribution and cough were the most important variables in determining the outcome. CONCLUSION: ML-based models might help EMS identify patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in guiding EMS allocation of hospital resources based on prespecified criteria.

Calcium-Citrate Anticoagulation during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients with Metformin Intoxication: A Case Series, Mathematical Estimation of Citrate Accumulation, and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Metformin intoxication causes lactic acidosis by inhibiting Krebs' cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is recommended for metformin removal in critically ill patients. According to current guidelines, regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is the first-line strategy. However, since metformin also inhibits citrate metabolism, a risk of citrate accumulation could be hypothesized. In the present study, we monitored the potential citrate accumulation in metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) patients treated with CRRT and RCA using the physical-chemical approach to acid-base interpretation. METHODS: We collected a case series of 3 patients with MALA. Patients were treated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), and RCA was performed with diluted citrate solution. Citrate accumulation was monitored through two methods: the ratio between total and ionized plasma calcium concentrations (T/I calcium ratio) above 2.5 and the strong ion gap (SIG) to identify an increased concentration of unmeasured anions. Lastly, a mathematical model was developed to estimate the expected citrate accumulation during CVVH and RCA. RESULTS: All 3 patients showed a resolution of MALA after the treatment with CVVH. The T/I calcium ratio was consistently below 2.5, and SIG decreased, reaching values lower than 6 mEq/L after 48 h of CVVH treatment. According to the mathematical model, the estimated SIG without citrate metabolism should have been around 21 mEq/L due to citrate accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: In our clinical management, no signs of citrate accumulation were recorded in MALA patients during treatment with CVVH and RCA. Our data support the safe use of diluted citrate to perform RCA during metformin intoxication.

How the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix 2022 Mass Gathering Event Compares to the Arbon Model: A Descriptive Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the health-care resources implemented during the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix (F1GP) and to calculate the patient presentation rate (PPR) based on both real data and a prediction model. METHODS: Observational and descriptive study conducted from September 9 to September 11, 2022, during the Italian F1GP hosted in Monza (Italy). Maurer's formula was applied to decide the number and type of health resources to be allocated. Patient presentation rate (PPR) was computed based on real data (PPR_real) and based on the Arbon formula (PPR_est). RESULTS: Of 336,000 attendees, n = 263 requested medical assistance with most of them receiving treatment at the advanced medical post, and n = 16 needing transport to the hospital. The PPR_real was 51 for Friday, 78 for Saturday, 134 for Sunday, and 263 when considering the whole event as a single event. The PPR_est resulted in 85 for Friday, 93 for Saturday, 97 for Sunday, and 221 for the total population. CONCLUSIONS: A careful organization of health-care resources could mitigate the impact of the Italian F1GP on local hospital facilities. The Arbon formula is an acceptable model to predict and estimate the number of patients requesting medical assistance, but further investigation needs to be conducted to implement the model and tailor it to broader categories of MGE.

PEEP Titration Is Markedly Affected by Trunk Inclination in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 ARDS: A Physiologic, Cross-Over Study.

BACKGROUND: Changing trunk inclination affects lung function in patients with ARDS. However, its impacts on PEEP titration remain unknown. The primary aim of this study was to assess, in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 ARDS, the effects of trunk inclination on PEEP titration. The secondary aim was to compare respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in the semi-recumbent (40° head-of-the-bed) and supine-flat (0°) positions following PEEP titration. METHODS: Twelve patients were positioned both at 40° and 0° trunk inclination (randomized order). The PEEP associated with the best compromise between overdistension and collapse guided by Electrical Impedance Tomography (PEEPEIT) was set. After 30 min of controlled mechanical ventilation, data regarding respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and EIT parameters were collected. The same procedure was repeated for the other trunk inclination. RESULTS: PEEPEIT was lower in the semi-recumbent than in the supine-flat position (8 ± 2 vs. 13 ± 2 cmH2O, p < 0.001). A semi-recumbent position with optimized PEEP resulted in higher PaO2:FiO2 (141 ± 46 vs. 196 ± 99, p = 0.02) and a lower global inhomogeneity index (46 ± 10 vs. 53 ± 11, p = 0.008). After 30 min of observation, a loss of aeration (measured by EIT) was observed only in the supine-flat position (-153 ± 162 vs. 27 ± 203 mL, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: A semi-recumbent position is associated with lower PEEPEIT and results in better oxygenation, less derecruitment, and more homogenous ventilation compared to the supine-flat position.

Modulation of pulmonary blood flow in patients with acute respiratory failure.

BACKGROUND: Impairment of ventilation and perfusion (V/Q) matching is a common mechanism leading to hypoxemia in patients with acute respiratory failure requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. While ventilation has been thoroughly investigated, little progress has been made to monitor pulmonary perfusion at the bedside and treat impaired blood distribution. The study aimed to assess real-time changes in regional pulmonary perfusion in response to a therapeutic intervention. METHODS: Single-center prospective study that enrolled adult patients with ARDS caused by SARS-Cov-2 who were sedated, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated. The distribution of pulmonary perfusion was assessed through electrical impedance tomography (EIT) after the injection of a 10-ml bolus of hypertonic saline. The therapeutic intervention consisted in the administration of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), as rescue therapy for refractory hypoxemia. Each patient underwent two 15-min steps at 0 and 20 ppm iNO, respectively. At each step, respiratory, gas exchange, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and V/Q distribution was measured, with unchanged ventilatory settings. RESULTS: Ten 65 [56-75] years old patients with moderate (40%) and severe (60%) ARDS were studied 10 [4-20] days after intubation. Gas exchange improved at 20 ppm iNO (PaO2/FiO2 from 86 ± 16 to 110 ± 30 mmHg, p = 0.001; venous admixture from 51 ± 8 to 45 ± 7%, p = 0.0045; dead space from 29 ± 8 to 25 ± 6%, p = 0.008). The respiratory system's elastic properties and ventilation distribution were unaltered by iNO. Hemodynamics did not change after gas initiation (cardiac output 7.6 ± 1.9 vs. 7.7 ± 1.9 L/min, p = 0.66). The EIT pixel perfusion maps showed a variety of patterns of changes in pulmonary blood flow, whose increase positively correlated with PaO2/FiO2 increase (R2 = 0.50, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of lung perfusion is feasible at the bedside and blood distribution can be modulated with effects that are visualized in vivo. These findings might lay the foundations for testing new therapies aimed at optimizing the regional perfusion in the lungs.

Acute perchloroethylene intoxication in an elderly woman: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Perchloroethylene is a colorless, strong-smelling substance commonly used for dry cleaning. Liver and kidney toxicities and carcinogenicity are well-known occupational hazards caused by chronic perchloroethylene exposure. Acute intoxication by ingestion of nondiluted perchloroethylene is rare in the adult population owing to its strong smell and taste. Very few data are available to physicians managing patients in this situation. CASE PRESENTATION: An 89-year-old Caucasian woman accidentally drank perchloroethylene while visiting her laundry, leading to a coma within a few minutes. The poison control center provided little information about perchloroethylene toxicity after ingestion, including an estimated long biological half-life (144 hour) and detrimental effects to liver and kidneys. A long intensive care unit stay was thus expected, potentially leading to several complications. After intubation, transitory hypoxemia appeared and rapidly resolved, while mild hemodynamic instability was managed with fluid resuscitation and anti-arrhythmic drugs. Twelve hours after perchloroethylene ingestion, the patient suddenly woke up and self-extubated. Less than 24 hours after ingestion, she was discharged from the intensive care unit, and 4 days later she was discharged home. CONCLUSION: The patient drank perchloroethylene from a bottle, which prevented her from smelling it, and owing to its taste, only a small sip was likely drunk. However, a much larger intake was presumed, given her rapid and profound central nervous system depression. This case was challenging owing to the paucity of information available regarding acute perchloroethylene ingestion and the duration and magnitude of its effect. The present report will hopefully be of support for clinicians managing patients with this rare acute intoxication.

Intravenous fluid therapy in patients with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to the intensive care unit: a narrative review.

Patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) often require ICU admission, especially when signs of multiorgan failure are present, a condition that defines AP as severe. This disease is characterized by a massive pancreatic release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that causes a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and a profound intravascular fluid loss. This leads to a mixed hypovolemic and distributive shock and ultimately to multiorgan failure. Aggressive fluid resuscitation is traditionally considered the mainstay treatment of AP. In fact, all available guidelines underline the importance of fluid therapy, particularly in the first 24-48 h after disease onset. However, there is currently no consensus neither about the type, nor about the optimal fluid rate, total volume, or goal of fluid administration. In general, a starting fluid rate of 5-10 ml/kg/h of Ringer's lactate solution for the first 24 h has been recommended. Fluid administration should be aggressive in the first hours, and continued only for the appropriate time frame, being usually discontinued, or significantly reduced after the first 24-48 h after admission. Close clinical and hemodynamic monitoring along with the definition of clear resuscitation goals are fundamental. Generally accepted targets are urinary output, reversal of tachycardia and hypotension, and improvement of laboratory markers. However, the usefulness of different endpoints to guide fluid therapy is highly debated. The importance of close monitoring of fluid infusion and balance is acknowledged by most available guidelines to avoid the deleterious effect of fluid overload. Fluid therapy should be carefully tailored in patients with severe AP, as for other conditions frequently managed in the ICU requiring large fluid amounts, such as septic shock and burn injury. A combination of both noninvasive clinical and invasive hemodynamic parameters, and laboratory markers should guide clinicians in the early phase of severe AP to meet organ perfusion requirements with the proper administration of fluids while avoiding fluid overload. In this narrative review the most recent evidence about fluid therapy in severe AP is discussed and an operative algorithm for fluid administration based on an individualized approach is proposed.

External chest-wall compression in prolonged COVID-19 ARDS with low-compliance: a physiological study.

BACKGROUND: External chest-wall compression (ECC) is sometimes used in ARDS patients despite lack of evidence. It is currently unknown whether this practice has any clinical benefit in patients with COVID-19 ARDS (C-ARDS) characterized by a respiratory system compliance (Crs) < 35 mL/cmH2O. OBJECTIVES: To test if an ECC with a 5 L-bag in low-compliance C-ARDS can lead to a reduction in driving pressure (DP) and improve gas exchange, and to understand the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Eleven patients with low-compliance C-ARDS were enrolled and underwent 4 steps: baseline, ECC for 60 min, ECC discontinuation and PEEP reduction. Respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, hemodynamics and electrical impedance tomography were recorded. Four pigs with acute ARDS were studied with ECC to understand the effect of ECC on pleural pressure gradient using pleural pressure transducers in both non-dependent and dependent lung regions. RESULTS: Five minutes of ECC reduced DP from baseline 14.2 ± 1.3 to 12.3 ± 1.3 cmH2O (P < 0.001), explained by an improved lung compliance. Changes in DP by ECC were strongly correlated with changes in DP obtained with PEEP reduction (R2 = 0.82, P < 0.001). The initial benefit of ECC decreased over time (DP = 13.3 ± 1.5 cmH2O at 60 min, P = 0.03 vs. baseline). Gas exchange and hemodynamics were unaffected by ECC. In four pigs with lung injury, ECC led to a decrease in the pleural pressure gradient at end-inspiration [2.2 (1.1-3) vs. 3.0 (2.2-4.1) cmH2O, P = 0.035]. CONCLUSIONS: In C-ARDS patients with Crs < 35 mL/cmH2O, ECC acutely reduces DP. ECC does not improve oxygenation but it can be used as a simple tool to detect hyperinflation as it improves Crs and reduces Ppl gradient. ECC benefits seem to partially fade over time. ECC produces similar changes compared to PEEP reduction.

Pleural Pressure Targeted Positive Airway Pressure Improves Cardiopulmonary Function in Spontaneously Breathing Patients With Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Increased pleural pressure affects the mechanics of breathing of people with class III obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2). RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the acute effects of CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure on cardiopulmonary function in spontaneously breathing patients with class III obesity? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We enrolled six participants with BMI within normal range (control participants, group I) and 12 patients with class III obesity (group II) divided into subgroups: IIa, BMI of 40 to 50 kg/m2; and IIb, BMI of ≥ 50 kg/m2. The study was performed in two phases: in phase 1, participants were supine and breathing spontaneously at atmospheric pressure, and in phase 2, participants were supine and breathing with CPAP titrated to match their end-expiratory esophageal pressure in the absence of CPAP. Respiratory mechanics, esophageal pressure, and hemodynamic data were collected, and right heart function was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: The levels of CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure in group I, subgroup IIa, and subgroup IIb were 6 ± 2 cmH2O, 12 ± 3 cmH2O, and 18 ± 4 cmH2O, respectively. In both subgroups IIa and IIb, CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure decreased minute ventilation (IIa, P = .03; IIb, P = .03), improved peripheral oxygen saturation (IIa, P = .04; IIb, P = .02), improved homogeneity of tidal volume distribution between ventral and dorsal lung regions (IIa, P = .22; IIb, P = .03), and decreased work of breathing (IIa, P < .001; IIb, P = .003) with a reduction in both the work spent to initiate inspiratory flow as well as tidal ventilation. In five hypertensive participants with obesity, BP decreased to normal range, without impairment of right heart function. INTERPRETATION: In ambulatory patients with class III obesity, CPAP titrated to match pleural pressure decreased work of breathing and improved respiratory mechanics while maintaining hemodynamic stability, without impairing right heart function. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02523352; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

High Pleural Pressure Prevents Alveolar Overdistension and Hemodynamic Collapse in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome with Class III Obesity. A Clinical Trial.

Rationale: Obesity is characterized by elevated pleural pressure (Ppl) and worsening atelectasis during mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Objectives: To determine the effects of a lung recruitment maneuver (LRM) in the presence of elevated Ppl on hemodynamics, left and right ventricular pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance. We hypothesized that elevated Ppl protects the cardiovascular system against high airway pressure and prevents lung overdistension.Methods: First, an interventional crossover trial in adult subjects with ARDS and a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2 (n = 21) was performed to explore the hemodynamic consequences of the LRM. Second, cardiovascular function was studied during low and high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a model of swine with ARDS and high Ppl (n = 9) versus healthy swine with normal Ppl (n = 6).Measurements and Main Results: Subjects with ARDS and obesity (body mass index = 57 ± 12 kg/m2) after LRM required an increase in PEEP of 8 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 7-10) cm H2O above traditional ARDS Network settings to improve lung function, oxygenation and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] matching, without impairment of hemodynamics or right heart function. ARDS swine with high Ppl demonstrated unchanged transmural left ventricular pressure and systemic blood pressure after the LRM protocol. Pulmonary arterial hypertension decreased (8 [95% CI, 13-4] mm Hg), as did vascular resistance (1.5 [95% CI, 2.2-0.9] Wood units) and transmural right ventricular pressure (10 [95% CI, 15-6] mm Hg) during exhalation. LRM and PEEP decreased pulmonary vascular resistance and normalized the [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio.Conclusions: High airway pressure is required to recruit lung atelectasis in patients with ARDS and class III obesity but causes minimal overdistension. In addition, patients with ARDS and class III obesity hemodynamically tolerate LRM with high airway pressure.Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02503241).

Rapid reorganization of the Milan metropolitan public safety answering point operations during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy.

Objective: To quantify how the first public announcement of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy affected a metropolitan region's emergency medical services (EMS) call volume and how rapid introduction of alternative procedures at the public safety answering point (PSAP) managed system resources. Methods: PSAP processes were modified over several days including (1) referral of non-ill callers to public health information call centers; (2) algorithms for detection, isolation, or hospitalization of suspected COVID-19 patients; and (3) specialized medical teams sent to the PSAP for triage and case management, including ambulance dispatches or alternative dispositions. Call volumes, ambulance dispatches, and response intervals for the 2 weeks after announcement were compared to 2017-2019 data and the week before. Results: For 2 weeks following outbreak announcement, the primary-level PSAP (police/fire/EMS) averaged 56% more daily calls compared to prior years and recorded 9281 (106% increase) on Day 4, averaging ∼400/hour. The secondary-level (EMS) PSAP recorded an analogous 63% increase with 3863 calls (∼161/hour; 264% increase) on Day 3. The COVID-19 response team processed the more complex cases (n = 5361), averaging 432 ± 110 daily (∼one-fifth of EMS calls). Although community COVID-19 cases increased exponentially, ambulance response intervals and dispatches (averaging 1120 ± 46 daily) were successfully contained, particularly compared with the week before (1174 ± 40; P = 0.02). Conclusion: With sudden escalating EMS call volumes, rapid reorganization of dispatch operations using tailored algorithms and specially assigned personnel can protect EMS system resources by optimizing patient dispositions, controlling ambulance allocations and mitigating hospital impact. Prudent population-based disaster planning should strongly consider pre-establishing similar highly coordinated medical taskforce contingencies.

Protocol of a randomised controlled trial in cardiac surgical patients with endothelial dysfunction aimed to prevent postoperative acute kidney injury by administering nitric oxide gas.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in cardiac surgery. Levels of intravascular haemolysis are strongly associated with postoperative AKI and with prolonged (>90 min) use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Ferrous plasma haemoglobin released into the circulation acts as a scavenger of nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial cells. Consequently, the vascular bioavailability of NO is reduced, leading to vasoconstriction and impaired renal function. In patients with cardiovascular risk factors, the endothelium is dysfunctional and cannot replenish the NO deficit. A previous clinical study in young cardiac surgical patients with rheumatic fever, without evidence of endothelial dysfunction, showed that supplementation of NO gas decreases AKI by converting ferrous plasma haemoglobin to ferric methaemoglobin, thus preserving vascular NO. In this current trial, we hypothesised that 24 hours administration of NO gas will reduce AKI following CPB in patients with endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: This is a single-centre, randomised (1:1) controlled, parallel-arm superiority trial that includes patients with endothelial dysfunction, stable kidney function and who are undergoing cardiac surgery procedures with an expected CPB duration >90 min. After randomisation, 80 parts per million (ppm) NO (intervention group) or 80 ppm nitrogen (N2, control group) are added to the gas mixture. Test gases (N2 or NO) are delivered during CPB and for 24 hours after surgery. The primary study outcome is the occurrence of AKI among study groups. Key secondary outcomes include AKI severity, occurrence of renal replacement therapy, major adverse kidney events at 6 weeks after surgery and mortality. We are recruiting 250 patients, allowing detection of a 35% AKI relative risk reduction, assuming a two-sided error of 0.05. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Partners Human Research Committee approved this trial. Recruitment began in February 2017. Dissemination plans include presentations at scientific conferences, scientific publications and advertising flyers and posters at Massachusetts General Hospital. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02836899.

Inhaled nitric oxide prevents systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction due to hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier infusion: A case report.

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are used in extreme circumstances to increase hemoglobin concentration and improve oxygen delivery when allogenic red blood cell transfusions are contraindicated or not immediately available. However, HBOC-induced severe pulmonary and systemic vasoconstriction due to peripheral nitric oxide (NO) scavenging has stalled its implementation in clinical practice. We present a case of an 87 year-old patient with acute life-threatening anemia who received HBOC while breathing NO gas. This case shows that inhaled NO allows for the safe use of HBOC infusion by preventing HBOC-induced pulmonary and systemic vasoconstriction.