[Observational study of the efficacy and tolerability of bosentan for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in a tertiary referral hospital].
OBJECTIVE
The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) involves elevated levels of endothelin. Bosentan is a receptor antagonist used for the treatment of this disease. The purpose of the study is to assess the efficacy and tolerability of this drug in clinical practice.


METHODS
A retrospective observational study of 10 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (seven) and secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), treated with bosentan. The decrease in systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification were measured, together with treatment safety based on transaminase levels in the mid term and long term until the treatment period of two years was completed.


RESULTS
The decrease in SPAP between the beginning and the end of the treatment was not significant. Three of the ten patients began treatment in class II, five in class III and two in class IV. After 12 months of treatment, six patients were in class II, two in class IV, one patient died and another stopped the treatment due to toxicity. Four patients continued the treatment for 24 months, and the results were compared with those obtained during the first year: Two patients remained in class II, one patient deteriorated to class III and the four died.


CONCLUSIONS
Bosentan is shown to be effective after six months of treatment, losing efficacy after two years. Bosentan gave satisfactory results in PHT secondary to PTE.
Pellicer Franco
C
C
Servicio de Farmacia, Complejo Hospitalario de Pontevedra, C/Mourente s/n, Pontevedra, Spain. consuelo.pellicer.franco@sergas.es
Iglesias Neiro
P
P
Piñeiro Corrales
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077300:Bosentan; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000077300:Bosentan