Abstract:

Objective To assess the application of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor vardenafil to pulmonary hypertension after operation for congenital heart disease. Methods Twelve children with pulmonary hypertension after bi-ventricular repair for congenital heart disease were treated with vardenafil. Routine follow up was conducted after medication, and therapeutic effect and adverse effects were observed. Results The pulmonary hypertension was (71±19) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) before treatment with vardenafil, those were (48±23) mmHg and (34±13) mmHg 3 months and 6 months after treatment with vardenafil respectively, and there were significant differences between that before treatment with vardenafil and those 3 months and 6 months after treatment with vardenafil （P<0.05）. The New York Heart Association Functional Class (NYHAFC) significantly improved after treatment with vardenafil (P<0.01). The 6 min walking distance (6MWD) of 10 patients 3 months after treatment with vardenafil was significantly longer than that before treatment with vardenafil [(413±58) m vs (382±68) m, P<0.01]. The major side effect of vardenafil was facial flushing, and the incidence was 33.33%(4/12). One patient with prolonged Q-T interval on electrocardiogram 3 months after treatment with vardenafil stopped medication. Conclusion Vardenafil can decrease pulmonary hypertension after bi-ventricular repair for congenital heart disease, increase exercise capacity, and improve NYHAFC of children. There is no severe side effects after treatment with vardenafil, while the changes of Q-T interval on electrocardiogram should be monitored during medication.

Key words: congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, vardenafil, therapeutic effect