Sildenafil treatment in COPD does not effect stroke volume or exercise capacity

¹ Dept of Pulmonary Diseases, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam and Institute for Cardiovascular Research VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: a.vonk{at}vumc.nl.

	Abstract

In COPD patients stroke volume response to exercise is impaired. We investigated whether 3 months of sildenafil treatment improves stroke volume and if so, whether this is related to the pulmonary artery pressure and translated into an improved exercise capacity.

Fifteen stable COPD patients (GOLDII-IV) underwent a right heart catheterization at rest and during exercise. The stroke volume was assessed by MRI at rest and during submaximal exercise in supine position and compared with 8 age-matched controls. Additionally, a cardiopulmonary exercise test and six minute walking distance were performed. Exercise tests and MRI were repeated after 12 weeks of oral sildenafil therapy, 50mg three times daily.

Stroke volume in COPD was significantly lower than in healthy controls (62±12 versus 81±22ml at rest, 70±15 versus 101±28ml during exercise). Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed in 9 patients and absent in 6 patients. Treatment with sildenafil had no effect on stroke volume or exercise capacity. Although the stroke volume was lower in the COPD patients with associated PH in comparison to the non PH patients, there was no difference in treatment response between both groups.

In this group of 15 COPD patients a reduced stroke volume was found at rest and during exercise. Three months of sildenafil therapy did not improve stroke volume or exercise capacity.

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