Novel use of sildenafil in the treatment of portopulmonary hypertension.
Portopulmonary hypertension is a poorly understood and uncommon complication of advanced chronic liver disease. Current therapy is based largely on treatment options proven in idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. The severity of the portopulmonary hypertension should best be attenuated medically before attempting combined liver and lung transplantation to avoid increased peri-operative mortality. This case report describes the successful use of sildenafil to decrease the pulmonary vascular resistance in a patient with hepatitis-C cirrhosis who was preparing for liver transplantation.
Chua
Roderick
R
St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Keogh
Anne
A
Miyashita
Masami
M
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate