Thoracic Research and Practice
Original Article

Iloprost as Adjuvant to Sildenafil in Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

1.

Department of Critical Care, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2.

Department of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3.

Department of Cardiology, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyahd, Saudi Arabia

Thorac Res Pract 2013; 14: 88-92
DOI: 10.5152/ttd.2013.19
Read: 1949 Downloads: 1062 Published: 18 July 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of adding inhaled iloprost to sildenafil for the treatment of patients with CTD-associated PAH.

 

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with CTDassociated PAH who received sildenafil for at least three months were enrolled and started on iloprost inhalation. At the end of six months, the patients were reassessed for changes in their New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, and their quality of life as assessed using the short form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire.

 

RESULTS: The study included 27 patients with a mean age of 46.3±14.5 years. Scleroderma was most common primary diagnosis in 37% of cases. In the 23 patients who completed the study, NYHA class improved from 2.9±0.5 to 2.1±0.5 (p=0.027). Their 6MWD increased by 31% (262.1±126.2 m vs. 342.9±110.6 m; p<0.001). Post-exercise oxygen saturation increased from 85.9±9.1% to 90.4±5.9% (p<0.0001). The SF-36 score for general health and role limitation due to physical problems improved significantly. No difference in BNP was noted.

 

CONCLUSION: The addition of iloprost to sildenafil for treatment of CTD-associated PAH resulted in significant improvement in NHYA functional class, 6MWD and quality of life.

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