Beneficial effect of sevoflurane on endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening disease commonly seen in ICU septic patients and associated with poor outcome. New and better therapies are required, since the response to various agents such as NO, prostaglandins and phosphodiesterase inhibitors is usually partial and the mortality rate remains high. Inhaled drugs seem to be an attractive treatment option, since they are delivered directly to pulmonary resistance vessels. A new device (anesthetic conserving device-AnaConDa (ACD)) permitting direct administration of volatile anaesthetics - such as sevoflurane - to the breathing circuit of a conventional ICU ventilator in a safe and effective way has recently been introduced. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sevoflurane administration via the ACD on a porcine model of acute PH during sepsis.