Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

An update on sildenafil in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the neonate

  • Natalie Schellack*
  • , Lorraine Thom
  • , Zanli Van Blerk
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) refers to a group of diseases that are characterised by high pressure in the pulmonary artery and by pulmonary vascular resistance. Persistent PAH in the newborn is a condition whereby the pulmonary artery pressure does not decrease after birth, and may occur in as many as 6.8 in 1 000 live births. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) is the predominant PDE isoform in the lung which metabolises cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and is upregulated in conditions associated with PAH. Thus, by selectively inhibiting PDE-5, the accumulation of intracellular cGMP is promoted by sildenafil citrate and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatation is also enhanced. The article provides information on associated dosing regimens and reconstitution guidelines.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)22-25
Number of pages4
JournalSA Pharmaceutical Journal
Volume82
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 2015

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Neonate
  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
  • Sildenafil

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An update on sildenafil in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the neonate'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this