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Sildenafil in Infants and Children

Larisa Simonca1, Robert Tulloh2

  • 1Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol BS2 8BJ, UK. simonca.larisa12@gmail.com.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Sildenafil is a key treatment for pediatric pulmonary hypertension, despite recent regulatory changes. This review summarizes its use in infants and children with this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) management has advanced with new diagnostics and therapies.
  • Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-V inhibitor, is a primary treatment for adult and pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH).
  • Its use extends to various pediatric PH conditions, including persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of pulmonary hypertension in infants and children.
  • To summarize the role and application of Sildenafil in treating pediatric PH.
  • To discuss the implications of recent data and regulatory changes on Sildenafil's use.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pediatric pulmonary hypertension.
  • Analysis of Sildenafil's efficacy and safety data in pediatric populations.
  • Examination of treatment guidelines and regulatory updates concerning Sildenafil.

Main Results:

  • Sildenafil is a widely adopted first-line treatment for pediatric PH.
  • Its efficacy has been demonstrated across various pediatric PH subtypes.
  • Recent data on long-term mortality and FDA approval status present complexities but do not diminish its current clinical importance.

Conclusions:

  • Sildenafil remains a cornerstone therapy for pediatric pulmonary hypertension.
  • Despite evolving data, it is expected to remain a primary treatment option.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview of pediatric PH and Sildenafil's therapeutic role.

Keywords:
Sildenafilphosphodiesterase inhibitorpulmonary hypertension

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