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Intensive Care Medicine

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Open Access 01-05-2010 | Original

Sildenafil attenuates pulmonary arterial pressure but does not improve oxygenation during ARDS

Authors: Alexander D. Cornet, Jorrit J. Hofstra, Eleonora L. Swart, Armand R. J. Girbes, Nicole P. Juffermans

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 5/2010

Abstract

Objective

Pulmonary hypertension is a characteristic feature of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and contributes to mortality. Administration of sildenafil in ambulatory patients with pulmonary hypertension improves oxygenation and ameliorates pulmonary hypertension. Our aim was to determine whether sildenafil is beneficial for patients with ARDS.

Design

Prospective, open-label, multicenter, interventional cohort study.

Setting

Medical-surgical ICU of two university hospitals.

Patients

Ten consecutive patients meeting the NAECC criteria for ARDS.

Interventions

A single dose of 50 mg sildenafil citrate administered via a nasogastric tube.

Main results

Administration of sildenafil in patients with ARDS decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure from 25 to 22 mmHg (P = 0.022) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure from 16 to 13 mmHg (P = 0.049). Systemic mean arterial pressures were markedly decreased from 81 to 75 mmHg (P = 0.005). Sildenafil did not improve pulmonary arterial oxygen tension, but resulted in a further increase in the shunt fraction.

Conclusion

Although sildenafil reduced pulmonary arterial pressures during ARDS, the increased shunt fraction and decreased arterial oxygenation render it unsuitable for the treatment of patients with ARDS.

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Title: Sildenafil attenuates pulmonary arterial pressure but does not improve oxygenation during ARDS
Authors: Alexander D. Cornet
Jorrit J. Hofstra
Eleonora L. Swart
Armand R. J. Girbes
Nicole P. Juffermans
Publication date: 01-05-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 5/2010
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-010-1754-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sildenafil attenuates pulmonary arterial pressure but does not improve oxygenation during ARDS

Abstract

Objective

Design

Setting

Patients

Interventions

Main results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Design

Setting

Patients

Interventions

Main results

Conclusion

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