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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: Visitor Guidelines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.

Information on COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19, information about previously scheduled appointments and what you can do to help protect your child and family. View COVID-19 information.


Free Virtual Coronavirus Screenings

IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. View screening details.

Actualizaciones del Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Información sobre el COVID-19

Obtenga más información acerca del COVID-19, incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes y lo que puede hacer para ayudar a protegerse y proteger a su familia. Ver información del COVID-19.


Restricciones para visitantes

Las instalaciones de salud de IU Health han implementado restricciones a los visitantes para ayudar a minimizar la propagación del COVID-19, la gripe y otros virus respiratorios. Ver restricciones para visitantes.


Información sobre citas ambulatorias previamente programadas

Para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de todos nuestros pacientes y empleados durante la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), estamos haciendo ajustes en algunas de nuestras citas ambulatorias. Ver actualizaciones de citas ambulatorias.


Exámenes de coronavirus virtuales gratuitos

IU Health ha lanzado una clínica virtual para ofrecer a las personas en Indiana, independientemente de la edad, evaluaciones virtuales para la detección del coronavirus (COVID-19). Ver detalles de la evaluación.

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Riley Children's Health

Inhaled Nitric Oxide

Inhaled Nitric Oxide
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Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a special breathing treatment that your baby may receive in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if he or she is in respiratory distress due to a condition like pulmonary hypertension or a congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

When your baby receives the treatment, he or she will inhale nitric oxide, a type of gas that can relax and expand the blood vessels in the lungs. When the blood vessels are better able to expand, it can improve your baby’s ability to get oxygen to the brain and other important tissues.

As a breathing treatment, iNO may be used with other therapies such as traditional intubation and mechanical ventilation which do not use nitric oxide gas. If a baby does not show improvement after starting iNO treatment, the next level of treatment may include extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

What to Expect

What to Expect

You can expect the following during an inhaled nitric oxide treatment at Riley at IU Health:

  • Prior to starting any treatments, your baby will receive medicines to reduce any discomfort.
  • Your baby will be connected to a ventilator—a special machine that moves air into and out of the lungs.
  • Using a process called intubation, the doctor will gently insert a small tube through your baby’s mouth and into the windpipe so that air from the ventilator can reach the lungs.
  • The ventilator is connected to a tank of nitric oxide gas. The gas will flow into the lungs and relax the blood vessels.

Treatment with inhaled nitric oxide usually lasts up to two weeks. Specialized technicians and physicians will monitor your baby’s condition and vital signs around the clock throughout treatment to make sure that the iNO is working and that there are no complications.

All babies who receive iNO treatment will have full follow-up care once it is safe for them to leave the NICU. Since low oxygen at birth can be a risk factor for neurodevelopmental delays, you and your baby will follow up with a multidisciplinary care team that includes a neurodevelopmental specialist.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • iNO is a treatment for respiratory distress in newborns that is offered in the NICU.
  • Nitric oxide is a gas that, when inhaled, can relax the blood vessels in the lungs and help your baby breathe.
  • Your baby will be closely monitored throughout iNO treatment.
  • If iNO does not work, more treatments are available.
  • You and your baby will follow up with a multidisciplinary care team after treatment.

Related Conditions & Departments

Related Conditions & Departments

Conditions

  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
  • Pulmonary Hypertension

Departments

  • Neonatology
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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

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