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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective study of bosentan for the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the efficacy and safety of bosentan as an adjuvant therapy of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Study Design:

Forty-seven neonates with PPHN were randomly assigned to receive either bosentan (n=24) or placebo (n=23). Efficacy was evaluated with a favorable outcome defined as fulfilling all the following criteria (for example, oxygenation index <15, normal pulmonary artery pressure (<20 mm Hg) and no premature discontinuation of the drug because of drug-related toxicity or lack of efficacy). Evaluation of safety was done by monitoring drug-related adverse events.

Result:

Bosentan treatment was superior to placebo with a favorable response in 87.5% of patients treated with bosentan as compared with 20% of those who received placebo (P<0.0001). None of patients in the bosentan group had drug-related clinical or laboratory adverse events.

Conclusion:

Bosentan may be a useful adjuvant therapy of PPHN.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the major contribution of pediatric cardiologists and colleagues at the neonatal intensive care unit, Abha General Hospital.

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Correspondence to W A Mohamed.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Mohamed, W., Ismail, M. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective study of bosentan for the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. J Perinatol 32, 608–613 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.157

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.157

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