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Viagra and pulmonary hypertension
01 October 2004
By: Ivanhoe Newswire
The drug Viagra has changed
the meaning of erectile
dysfunction, but it may also be a lifesaving answer for some
children.
Viagra is being studied in children with a serious condition known as pulmonary hypertension.
For nine weeks, Tammy Russell has been at the bedside of her 15-year-old son, Kyle.
Kyle loves the beach and vacations. But like many children with Down syndrome, heart problems slow him down. This is his third time in the hospital for heart surgery.
The drug Viagra has changed the meaning of erectile dysfunction, but it may also be a lifesaving answer for some children.
Tammy said, "Right now, my big hope is just to get him home."
Kyle takes many drugs to help him recover. Now, he's in a study to see if Viagra could also help.
Dr. Mary Taylor is studying whether Viagra can help children with pulmonary hypertension.
"Many children die with pulmonary hypertension that is irreversible, and until now, we have not really had any options or medications to send them home on."
Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the blood pressure rises inside the lungs making it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the lungs.
Dr. Taylor stated, "Viagra works by helping the blood vessels dilate or relax."
The treatment has been successful in adults and in several babies with the condition.
"We are hoping that using it over the course of months that the blood vessels will remodel and relax and allow the pulmonary hypertension to reverse," she added.
In the current study, Viagra or a placebo is given through an IV to patients for 24 hours after heart surgery to see how the body responds.
Tammy explained, "The sad thing is research is the only way to find out if something works, and somebody has got to participate. If nothing else, maybe one day I can look back and say, 'hey we helped do that.'"
It's what keeps Tammy strong as her son struggles with his weak heart.
The week after this story was done, Kyle passed away. Doctors said his death was not related to his participation in the study, and they will continue to move forward with the clinical trial. source :-http://rdu.news14.com | 
