Comparison between the Effect of Sildenafil versus Nifedipine in the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertention in Children

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is an increase of blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, or pulmonary capillaries, together known as the lung vasculature, leading to shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting and other symptoms, all of which are exacerbated by exertion. Pulmonary hypertension can be a severe disease with a markedly decreased exercise tolerance and heart failure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of sildenafil versus nifedipine in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in children. The study was carried out on 30 pulmonary hypertension patients (15 males and 15 females), 1 month to 10 years old and their weights ranged from 4 to 28 kg; from outpatient pediatric cardiology clinic at Bani suef university hospital; Patients were divided into two equal groups. Group (A) received sildenafil in a dose of 0.1-1 mg/kg/dose every 8 h orally and group (B) received nifedipine in adose of 0.5-3 mg/kg/dose every 8-12 h orally. Patients were treated and followed for 6 month. They were represented to full history taking, clinical examination, Echocardiographic examination in the beginning and every 6 months of the study. there was an improvement in general health of children after therapy and in respiratory rate, decreasing in pulmonary artery pressure in both groups but, the decrease in P.A.P in group A is greater than group B and the improvement in H.R in group A is better than group B So, we concluded that usage of sildenafil in children with pulmonary hypertension either primary or secondary is better and more effective than usage of nifedipine.