[Fast and efficient healing of scleroderma-associated acral ulcers with sildenafil]

Hautarzt. 2008 Mar;59(3):230-2. doi: 10.1007/s00105-007-1366-1.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Acral ulcers in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) are often recalcitrant to therapy. Sildenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5, dilates small arteries by increasing endothelial cGMP. Oral administration of sildenafil to a 35-year-old white male patient suffering from incapacitating PSS with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and acral ulcers induced a clinically significant reduction in dyspnea and increase in walking distance within one week as well as complete and long-lasting healing of all ulcers within five weeks. This case demonstrates the efficacy of sildenafil in the treatment of scleroderma-associated refractory acral ulcers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Extremities
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Piperazines / administration & dosage*
  • Purines / administration & dosage
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Sildenafil Citrate