Browsing by Author "Helmersen, Doug"

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    Sildenafil Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
    (2003-01-01) Laupland, Kevin B; Helmersen, Doug; Zygun, David A; Viner, Sidney M
    A 37-year-old woman with primary pulmonary hypertension and worsening symptomatology underwent pulmonary artery (PA) catheterization and vasodilator trials. Oxygen had no effect, but 10 parts/million of nitric oxide reduced mean PA (PAm) pressure by 20%. Prostacyclin infusion at 8 ng/kg/min decreased the PAm pressure by 11%, but further dose increases were limited by systemic hypotension. Sildenafil in doses of 25 mg or higher resulted in an average decrease of 14% in PAm pressure. Sildenafil is a potentially useful treatment option for patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, and further investigation is warranted.