Successful treatment of portopulmonary hypertension with the selective endothelin receptor antagonist Sitaxentan

Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2011 Apr;123(7-8):248-52. doi: 10.1007/s00508-011-1540-4. Epub 2011 Mar 31.

Abstract

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a rare complication of portal hypertension. Prostanoids have been shown to be effective in the treatment of POPH and have been used as a bridge to liver transplantation. More recently, case series revealed beneficial effects of both the dual endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan and the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil. The efficacy of sitaxentan, a selective endothelin receptor A (ERA) antagonist in the reversal of POPH, is still unclear. We report a case of POPH that was successfully treated with oral sitaxentan. Haemodynamic and symptomatic improvements were maintained after a 12-week long-term treatment period. Additionally, hepatic vein pressure gradient significantly decreased from 12 mmHg to 8 mm after treatment with sitaxentan. This is the first reported case of a successful therapy with a selective ERA antagonist in a patient suffering from POPH. Oral sitaxentan therapy might be a promising new option for patients suffering from POPH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Endothelin Receptor Antagonists*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Isoxazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Syndrome
  • Thiophenes / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
  • Isoxazoles
  • Thiophenes
  • sitaxsentan