Sildenafil as treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related pulmonary hypertension in a child

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Abdul Rahim Wong1, Aida Hanum G Rasool, Nik Zainal Abidin

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. rahim@kck.usm.my

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|March 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related pulmonary hypertension is a rare, fatal condition. This case study details an 18-month-old girl with HIV and pulmonary hypertension, treated successfully with sildenafil, showing survival for over two years.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a severe complication in HIV-infected individuals, typically leading to a poor prognosis.
  • PHT in children, especially those with HIV, presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • An 18-month-old female patient, potentially the youngest documented case, was diagnosed with PHT.
  • Retrospective analysis confirmed co-existing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in the patient.
  • The patient presented with severe symptoms indicative of pulmonary hypertension.

Findings:

  • Sildenafil was administered to manage the patient's PHT.
  • The treatment with sildenafil resulted in the successful control of PHT.
  • The patient demonstrated sustained survival for over two years post-treatment initiation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential efficacy of sildenafil in managing HIV-related PHT in pediatric patients.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention may improve outcomes for children with HIV and PHT.
  • Further research is warranted to explore sildenafil's role and long-term effects in pediatric HIV-associated PHT.

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