The investigators propose the first prospective, double blind, randomized controlled trial of treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) related to underlying portal hypertension. Specifically the investigators will evaluate the potential efficacy and safety of sildenafil (Revatio) in a 16 week blinded, multicentre study.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male and female patients with PPHTN.
* A 6MWD test between 150 m and 450 m.
* A pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) \>250 dyn\*sec\*cm-5, a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPmean) ≥25 mmHg due to portal hypertension, and PCWP ≤ 15 mmHg. Right-heart catheterization results for the definite diagnosis of PH must follow the 2 - 6 week pre-treatment phase and not be older than 6 weeks at study start (will be considered as baseline values).
* Portal hypertension defined either clinically or hemodynamically by the presence of cirrhosis (by ultrasound or biopsy) or portal vein thrombosis / obstruction (proven by portal vein Doppler) and any one of the following within one year of entry into the study: 1) Ascites (on ultrasound of the abdomen); 2) Splenomegaly (on ultrasound of the abdomen); 3) Esophageal or Gastric Varices (proven endoscopically); 4) Hepatic-venous pressure gradient (HVPG) \> 12 mmHg.
* Treatment naive patients (with respect to PAH specific medication) and patients. Prior use of sildenafil for erectile dysfunction will be permitted.
* 18 to 75 years of age at Visit 1.
* Patients who are able to understand and follow instructions and who are able to participate in the study for the entire period.
* Patients must have given their written informed consent to participate in the study after having received adequate previous information and prior to any study-specific procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Participation in another clinical trial during…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change from baseline in PVR after 16 weeks of treatment