Nebulized flolan for severe ARDS

[sunnycalifRN]

We have been using nebulized flolan (epoprostenol) to treat the severe hypoxemia of intractable ARDS. (Flolan is generally used to treat primary pulmonary hypertension.) RT puts a continuous nebulizer in-line and we set the IV pump to drip in the flolan. We don't have inhaled nitric oxide, which is why we're using flolan. If it's going to work, it works within the first half hour and it's amazing to watch the sat's rise up into the high 90's. Is anyone else using nebulized flolan for ARDS?

[Bec7074]

We use inhaled Flolan in our ARDS pts as a last-ditch effort. Usually they are on Bi-Vent (bi-level or APRV) and a prone bed already. To me it makes sense. ARDS causes pulmonary edema which surely can cause pulmonary hypertension.