Document Type : Original Article(s)
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Cardiologist, Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4 Internist, Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
5 General Practitioner, Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
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 20 patients with a history of mustard gas poisoning and PAH symptoms, pulmonary artery pressure was measured with a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Patients took a 6-minute walking test (6-MWT), and then, they were treated for 12 weeks with 50 mg dailysildenafil. Finally, echocardiography and 6-MWT were repeated. RESULTS: All patients were men with a mean age of 42.8±3.9 years. Mean pressure of pulmonary artery at the beginning of the study was 37.7±8.2 mmHg, and the walked distance at 6-MWT was 263.3±2.2 meters. After 12 weeks, these values were 29.1±6.5 mmHg, and 291.3±82.3 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
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