sildenafil-citrate and Diarrhea

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a chronic condition involving multiple organ systems that may develop any time following Fontan completion. The pathogenesis of PLE is complex and multifactorial. Chronic venous hypertension, low cardiac output, and abnormal lymphatics may all play a role in the pathogenesis of PLE. Common signs and symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and ascites. Diagnosis is based on the presence of signs and symptoms in addition to hypoalbuminemia and elevated stool alpha 1 antitrypsin. Early identification and a comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment are important, as they may affect survival. The initial evaluation should include cardiac catheterization for hemodynamic assessment. Although an evidence base for treatment is lacking, various medical, interventional, and surgical approaches have been described with variable degrees of success. Commonly used therapies include nutritional support, diuretics, subcutaneous unfractionated heparin, budesonide, and sildenafil. Limited data exist for Fontan conversion or takedown. Assessment for heart transplantation should be considered. PLE mortality is high-approximately 50%-but may be mitigated by aggressive investigation and management. The evolving understanding of the role of lymphatics in the pathophysiology of PLE and the emerging role of interventional lymphatic procedures may further improve outcomes in this patient population.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Academic Medical Centers; Ascites; Budesonide; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Diarrhea; Diuretics; Female; Fontan Procedure; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heparin; Humans; Male; Prognosis; Protein-Losing Enteropathies; Rare Diseases; Risk Assessment; Sildenafil Citrate; Treatment Outcome

Sildenafil citrate is the first FDA-approved oral agent for male erectile dysfunction. Common adverse effects include flushing, headache, and dyspepsia, although more serious side effects have been reported. Because of its specific therapeutic indication, sildenafil toxicity has been limited almost exclusively to adults. We report a symptomatic case of pediatric sildenafil ingestion.. A 2-year-old male ingested 75 mg of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) 2 hours prior to arrival at an emergency room. Ipecac syrup had been given at home with one episode of vomiting. Activated charcoal was considered but withheld due to the delayed presentation to the hospital. The patient was observed in the hospital for 17.5 hours. Observed clinical effects included facial flushing, transient penile engorgement, bilateral rhonchi, and diarrhea. No significant cardiovascular effects were seen. A bronchodilator was given with resolution of rhonchi. No other specific interventions were required. One day after discharge, the patient had one additional bout of diarrhea and complained of pain in the penile region for one day. Two weeks after the exposure, the patient's mother denied any unusual symptoms.. Pediatric ingestion of sildenafil may result in mild symptoms including persistent flushing and penile engorgement with associated pain. Penile pain may persist even after resolution of the erection. It is questionable whether the respiratory symptoms and diarrhea were related since neither has been described following sildenafil exposure. Significant cardiovascular symptoms were not seen. Early administration of ipecac syrup did not prevent symptoms from developing.

Topics: Bronchodilator Agents; Child, Preschool; Diarrhea; Emetics; Flushing; Humans; Hypotension; Ipecac; Male; Piperazines; Poisoning; Priapism; Purines; Respiratory Sounds; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones