Efficacy of Phosphodiesterase-type 5 Inhibitors in Patients With Univentricular Congenital Heart Disease

Plain-language summary

In univentricular hearts, selective lung vasodilators such as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors would decrease pulmonary resistance and improve exercise tolerance. However, the level of evidence for the use of PDE5 inhibitors in patients with a single ventricle (SV) remains limited. the investigators present the SV-INHIBITION study rationale, design and methods.The SV-INHIBITION trial is a nationwide multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study, aiming to evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil on the ventilatory efficiency during exercise, in teenagers and adult patients (\>15 y.o.) with a SV. Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) \> 15 mmHg and trans-pulmonary gradient \> 5 mmHg) measured by cardiac catheterisation, will be eligible. The primary outcome is the variation of the VE/VCO2 slope, measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, between baseline and 6 months of treatment. A total of 50 patients are required to observe a decrease of 5 ± 5 points in the VE/VCO2 slope, with a power of 90% power and an alpha risk of 5%. The secondary outcomes are: clinical outcomes, 6 minute walk test, SV function, NT Pro BNP, VO2max, stroke volume, mPAP, trans-pulmonary gradient, SF36 quality of life score, safety and acceptability. This study aims to answer the question whether PDE5 inhibitors should be prescribed in patients with a SV. This trial has been built focusing on the 3 levels of research defined by the WHO: disability (exercise tolerance), deficit (SV function), and handicap (quality of life).

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