Journal of intensive care medicine
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J Intensive Care Med · Nov 2019
Multicenter StudySpectrum of Off-Label Nitric Oxide Utilization After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Among Centers of Varying Surgical Volume.
Nitric oxide is utilized after pediatric cardiac surgery as an off-label medication without much evidence, is expensive, and varies among centers of varying surgical volume. The objective of our study was to describe the spectrum of nitric oxide utilization and to evaluate the effect of nitric oxide utilization on outcomes among patients cared for in centers of varying surgical volume using Pediatric Health Information system. ⋯ This study demonstrates variation in nitric oxide utilization after heart operations among centers of varying surgical volume. Further, it raises questions on the benefit of nitric oxide administration after pediatric cardiac surgery.