AIM: To determine the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on clinical manifestations and evaluate arterial blood gas data in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in children. METHODS: In a pilot study of 10 children with chronic liver disease, who had HPS, 20 mg/kg/d PTX was administered for 3 mo. Clinical data and arterial blood gas parameters were evaluated at baseline, the end of the treatment period, and 3 mo after drug discontinuation. RESULTS: Six patients could tolerate PTX, while four patients experienced complications. Among patients who could tolerate PTX, there was a significant increase in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO(2)) (P = 0.02) and oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) (P = 0.04) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P = 0.02) after 3 mo of treatment. Significant decreases in PaO(2) (P = 0.02) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P = 0.02) were also seen after drug discontinuation. CONCLUSION: PTX may improve PaO(2), SaO(2) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient in the early stage of HPS.
AIM: To determine the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on clinical manifestations and evaluate arterial blood gas data in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in children. METHODS: In a pilot study of 10 children with chronic liver disease, who had HPS, 20 mg/kg/d PTX was administered for 3 mo. Clinical data and arterial blood gas parameters were evaluated at baseline, the end of the treatment period, and 3 mo after drug discontinuation. RESULTS: Six patients could tolerate PTX, while four patients experienced complications. Among patients who could tolerate PTX, there was a significant increase in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO(2)) (P = 0.02) and oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) (P = 0.04) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P = 0.02) after 3 mo of treatment. Significant decreases in PaO(2) (P = 0.02) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P = 0.02) were also seen after drug discontinuation. CONCLUSION:PTX may improve PaO(2), SaO(2) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient in the early stage of HPS.
Authors: Junlan Zhang; Yiqun Ling; Liping Tang; Bao Luo; Balu K Chacko; Rakesh P Patel; Michael B Fallon Journal: J Appl Physiol (1985) Date: 2006-11-16
Authors: Maarten K Ninaber; Jacobus B de Vaal; Oskar T Corsmit; Frans H M Cluitmans; Joost G de Leeuw; Frits Smit Journal: Respir Care Date: 2009-03 Impact factor: 2.258