[Transdermal nitroglycerin in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension]

In 10 patients with pulmonary hypertension, glycerol trinitrate in patch form (DEPONIT 10) effected a statistically significant drop in pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary pressure and right atrial pressure within 24 hours following drug application. This pressure reduction was also recorded after 4 weeks of continuous therapy. The reduction of pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance is not only a consequence of improved pre- and afterload, but also of a decrease in respiratory tract resistance and a direct influence on arteriolar constriction in the pulmonary vascular bed. Beneficial effects upon pulmonary haemodynamics were also recorded several months later.