Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 5– a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Portal Hypertension

Introduction: Nitric oxide – cyclic GMP mediated vasodilatation is a key factor in the regulation of blood flow in the splanchnic system and the liver and may be a target for medical treatment of portal hypertension. We investigated whether inhibition of phosphodiesterase–5 (PDE–5) influences portal blood flow and portal pressure. Methods: To 18 healthy subjects and 18 patients with Child A liver cirrhosis 10mg of Vardenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase–5, was administered orally. Doppler sonographic measurements of hepatic and splanchnic blood flow, systemic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded bef…