A Proof of Concept Study of Electrical Discharge Produced Nitric Oxide for Inhalation

Background. Inhaled nitric oxide is routinely used to treat acute pulmonary hypertension in infants, children and adults. By 2014 it has been estimate about 500,000 US patients have been treated with nitric oxide, with only the rare complication of methemoglobinemia reported at high inhaled doses.

Rationale. The investigators explored novel alternative lightweight and economical methods of local nitric oxide production. In particular the investigators synthesized nitric oxide from air by an electrical pulsed plasma discharge. After 2 years of study the investigators have designed and produced a prototype of a device synthesizing nitric oxide from air with low levels of nitrogen dioxide and ozone. After completing experimentation in lambs, the investigators now plan to study nitric oxide generators in a proof of concept clinical study.

Design of the study: The study is comprised of two parts:

• HEALTHY volunteer study, and
• CATH-LABORATORY study in patients.

The study will be conducted at low levels of breathing nitric oxide, 25 parts per million of nitric oxide, for 20 minutes to comply with the threshold of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for daily work exposure.

The first portion of the study will be carried out in 6 healthy volunteers breathing 25 parts per million of nitric oxide. After this first part, the investigators will proceed to the second portion of the study and enroll 6 patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing scheduled testing with a nitric oxide-pulmonary vasodilator response (CATH-LABORATORY study).

FIRST PART OF THE STUDY: HEALTHY VOLUNTEER STUDY (n=6 volunteers)

Inclusion criteria

• Have a government photo identity card;
• Age < 40 years old;
• Body mass index (BMI) <28 kg/m2 and >18 kg/m2;
• Feel well the day of nitric oxide testing;
• Normal physical exam

Exclusion criteria

• Psychiatric disturbances such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia requiring pharmacological treatment or hospitalization in the last year;
• Systemic disease with or without any functional limitation; including controlled hypertension and controlled diabetes without systemic effects;
• Pregnancy determined by urine pregnancy test, detecting presence of human chorionic gonadotropin, or less than six weeks postpartum;
• Active smoking, volunteers may be enrolled if they quit smoking for more than 1 year;
• Excess alcohol use: more than ½ L/day of wine consumption or equivalent;
• Any current use of a medication other than: Over-the-counter oral medications, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and oral contraceptives;
• Currently enrolled in another research study.

SECOND PART OF THE STUDY: CATH-LABORATORY STUDY (n=6 cath laboratory subjects)

Inclusion criteria

• Have a government photo identity card;
• Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Group I, III, IV and V, as defined by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute classification.
• Known positive responder to inhaled nitric oxide
• Wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg at baseline
• Pulmonary arterial pressure (mean) greater than or equal to 40 mmHg
• Scheduled Cath Lab testing for right heart catheterization to assess pulmonary vasodilator capacity

Exclusion criteria

• Psychiatric disturbances such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia requiring pharmacological treatment or hospitalization in the last year;
• Pregnancy determined by urine pregnancy test, detecting presence of human chorionic gonadotropin, or less than six weeks postpartum;
• Left ventricular failure for which breathing nitric oxide is contraindicated;
• Patients with diagnosis of congenital or acquired methemoglobinemia reductase deficiency;
• Currently enrolled in another research study.