Effectiveness of Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor Therapy for Portopulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Portopulmonary hypertension is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy is efficacious in other causes of WHO group I pulmonary arterial hypertension.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy in patients with portopulmonary hypertension.METHODS: A single-centre retrospective cohort study that included patients with a diagnosis of portopulmonary hypertension was performed. The primary outcome was change in pulmonary vascular resistance after six months of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy. A secondary evaluation investigated the effect on other hemodynamic measurements, 6 min walk distance, functional class, safety outcomes and survival.RESULTS: Of 1385 patients screened, 25 patients with portopulmonary hypertension were identified, of whom 20 received a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. After six months, there was a significant decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (−236 dyn·s·cm−5[95% CI −343 dyn·s·cm−5to −130 dyn·s·cm−5]; P<0.001), mean pulmonary artery pressure (−8.9 mmHg [95% CI −13.7 mmHg to −4.2 mmHg]; P=0.001) and an increase in Fick cardiac output (0.9 L/min [95% CI 0.1 L/min to 1.6 L/min]; P=0.02). There was no change in 6 min walk distance. The proportion of subjects with a WHO functional class III or IV was significantly reduced at six months compared with baseline (18% versus 61%; P=0.002). Safety outcomes did not reveal any adverse events.CONCLUSIONS: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy improved hemodynamics and functional class at six months in a cohort of patients with portopulmonary hypertension.