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Sildenafil, pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

S Herbert1, R Tulloh1

  • 1Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

Early Human Development
|September 26, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Sildenafil citrate may safely and effectively treat pulmonary hypertension (PH) in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Continued treatment until PH resolution might reduce mortality in this serious condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Neonatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Infant pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant cause of morbidity.
  • Sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-V inhibitor, is a first-line therapy for idiopathic PH.
  • Limited evidence exists for sildenafil's efficacy in managing PH associated with BPD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on sildenafil citrate for treating PH in BPD.
  • To evaluate sildenafil as monotherapy and in combination with other agents.
  • To assess the potential impact of sildenafil on mortality when continued until PH resolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical knowledge on sildenafil for PH in BPD.
  • Analysis of safety and efficacy data for sildenafil monotherapy.
  • Evaluation of combination therapy approaches including sildenafil.

Main Results:

  • Sildenafil citrate appears to be safe for treating PH in BPD.
  • Evidence suggests potential efficacy for sildenafil, alone or in combination.
  • Continuing sildenafil until PH resolution may reduce mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Sildenafil citrate is a potentially valuable therapeutic option for infants with PH and BPD.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm efficacy and optimal treatment duration.
  • Early and continued sildenafil treatment may improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Keywords:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPDChronic lung diseaseNitric oxidePulmonary hypertension PHSildenafil

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