Therapeutic benefits of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition in chronic heart failure: A meta-analysis
Abstract
Background Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have been shown to be beneficial for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, several studies would have documented a useful effect of PDE5i even for pulmonary hypertension secondary to left-sided chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods We performed a meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which had compared PDE5i (mostly sildenafil) and placebo in CHF patients. Results Fourteen studies enrolling a total of 928 patients were incorporated in the meta-analysis. In heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF), PDE5i, compared to placebo, significantly improved the composite of death and hospitalization (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10–0.74). They also improved peak VO2 [difference in means (MD): 3.76; 95% CI: 3.27–4.25], six-minute walking distance test (MD: 22.7 m; 95% CI: 8.19–37.21), and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (MD: −11.52 mmHg; 95% CI: −15.56 to −7.49). Conversely, in CHF with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF), PDE5i proved not to yield any significant improvement of the investigated outcomes. Conclusions In HFREF, PDE5i showed beneficial effects on the composite of death and hospitalization, as well as on exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics. Conversely, in HFpEF, no significant clinical, spiroergometric, or hemodynamic improvement was achieved using PDE5i therapy.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 928 participants or records.
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