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Sildenafil citrate, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and disordered pulmonary gas exchange: any benefits?

Journal of Perinatology volume 32, pages 64–69 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the effects that sildenafil citrate has on gas exchange in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Study Design:

A retrospective review was performed from 2005 to 2009. Infants treated with sildenafil citrate for greater than 48 h were included. Standard patient data was collected, including echocardiogram, inspired oxygen and systemic blood pressure, before and during administration of sildenafil citrate.

Result:

Sildenafil citrate was used in 21 preterm infants with BPD-associated PH. A significant reduction in estimated right ventricular peak systolic pressure was seen after initiation of sildenafil citrate, with the majority of infants showing no improvement in gas exchange at 48 h of treatment. Four infants died during treatment.

Conclusion:

Sildenafil citrate reduced estimated pulmonary artery pressures, but this reduction was not reflected in improved gas exchange within the first 48 h.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA

    M Nyp & N Poppinga

  2. Section of Pharmacology, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, MO, USA

    T Sandritter

  3. Departments of Cardiology and Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA

    C Simon

  4. Department of Pediatrics, Center for Infant Pulmonary Disorders, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA

    W E Truog

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  1. M Nyp
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Correspondence to M Nyp.

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Supplementary Information accompanies the paper on the Journal of Perinatology website

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Nyp, M., Sandritter, T., Poppinga, N. et al. Sildenafil citrate, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and disordered pulmonary gas exchange: any benefits?. J Perinatol 32, 64–69 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.131

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