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01-10-2009 | Review

Sildenafil for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension in Pediatric Patients

Authors: Alice J. Huddleston, Chad A. Knoderer, Jennifer L. Morris, Eric S. Ebenroth

Published in: Pediatric Cardiology | Issue 7/2009

Abstract

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor widely used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in children. Despite limited available safety and efficacy evidence, use of sildenafil continues to increase. To date, sildenafil use for pediatric pulmonary hypertension has been characterized for 193 children through 16 studies and 28 case series and reports. The primary efficacy data suggest that sildenafil is beneficial for facilitating the weaning of inhaled nitric oxide in children after cardiac surgery. Compiled safety data suggest that sildenafil is well tolerated among children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease. This review summarizes the available data describing the use, safety, and efficacy of sildenafil for children with pulmonary hypertension.

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Title: Sildenafil for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Alice J. Huddleston
Chad A. Knoderer
Jennifer L. Morris
Eric S. Ebenroth
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Cardiology / Issue 7/2009
Print ISSN: 0172-0643
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1971
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-009-9523-1

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