Study stopped due to poor enrollment

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of nitric oxide for inhalation on the duration of mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients with AHRF.

Patients will receive 5-ppm study gas (nitric oxide for inhalation or placebo) until Day 28 or extubation, whichever comes first. The following will be performed / recorded at specified times during the study: arterial blood gases, ventilator settings, methemoglobin, PRISM III score, and patient positioning. Selected centers will also be performing plasma cytokine assays, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid assays and a 6 month follow-up assessment.

Inclusion criteria:

• Admitted to pediatric intensive care unit and have the diagnosis of acute respiratory failure
• 44 weeks post conceptional age to 16 years of age
• Oxygenation Index (OI) >=12 cm H2O/mmHg (as determined by two separate measurement taken 30 minutes to 4 hours apart)
• Recent chest x-ray (within 24 hours) showing at least unilateral infiltrations
• Mechanically ventilated <= 7 days

Exclusion criteria:

• Immunocompromised
• Received a bone marrow transplant
• Active oncological condition
• Persistent right to left intracardiac shunt
• Cardiovascular surgery within the last 14 days
• Status asthmaticus
• Decision by primary care physician not to provide full support
• Received treatment with nitric oxide for inhalation or other investigational medications within 24 hours prior to study initiation, participating in surfactant trials
• Chronically ventilated
• Pregnant