The effect of sildenafil on the mustard gas induced pulmonary artery hypertension

BACKGROUND: One of the causes of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is mustard gas poisoning, which is a destructive factor in chemical bombs that contaminated Iranian soldiers during Iraq-Iran war. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of sildenafil, an effective drug for PAH, on symptoms of PAH caused by mustard gas. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study on ۲۰ patients with a history of mustard gas poisoning and PAH symptoms, pulmonary artery pressure was measured with a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Patients took a ۶-minute walking test (۶-MWT), and then, they were treated for ۱۲ weeks with ۵۰ mg dailysildenafil. Finally, echocardiography and ۶-MWT were repeated. RESULTS: All patients were men with a mean age of ۴۲.۸±۳.۹ years. Mean pressure of pulmonary artery at the beginning of the study was ۳۷.۷±۸.۲ mmHg, and the walked distance at ۶-MWT was ۲۶۳.۳±۲.۲ meters. After ۱۲ weeks, these values were ۲۹.۱±۶.۵ mmHg, and ۲۹۱.۳±۸۲.۳ meters, respectively, which were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: This studyshowedthat sildenafil improves mustard gas PAH. On the basis of our findings, even a single daily dose of sildenafil can have a good effect on these patients. Keywords: Pulmonary Artery Hypertension, Mustard Gas Poisoning, Sildenafil