Effects of Sildenafil on Prognosis in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension After Left-sided Valvular Surgery

Introduction Sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer) is being used to treat pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, there are limited data on the effects of sildenafil on patients with PH after left-sided valvular surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal dosage and the effects of sildenafil on prognosis of patients with PH after left-sided valvular surgery. Methods This randomised controlled trial, double-blind study enrolled patients with PH undergoing left-sided valvular surgery in our hospital from January to December, 2010. Ninety patients were enrolled. And 0.5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate or placebo was administered through nasogastric tubes, the haemodynamics changes in the 0.5/1/2/4 hours were assessed. The sildenafil citrate/placebo was continued to the discharges and the early prognoses of these patients were compared. Results Compared with placebo, a 0.5 mg/kg dose of sildenafil significantly reduced the time of mechanical ventilation, stay-in-ICU and hospitalisation duration. Conclusions Sildenafil might be beneficial to the early prognosis of patients with PH after left-sided valvular surgery.