Efficacy of Milrinone Plus Sildenafil in the Treatment of Neonates with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Resource-Limited Settings: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

Background: The management of severe persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) can be very challenging in many resource-limited centers without access to inhaled nitric oxide or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral sildenafil and intravenous milrinone infusion and compare the effects of these drugs in combination versus as monotherapy in neonates with PPHN.

Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in which neonates with PPHN were divided into three groups of 20 patients each: group 1 received oral sildenafil starting at 0.5 mg/kg every 6 h to a target maintenance dose of 2 mg/kg every 6 h; group 2 received intravenous milrinone 0.5 μg/kg/min as a continuous infusion; and group 3 received both oral sildenafil and intravenous milrinone.

Results: Post-treatment pulmonary artery systolic pressure was significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2, which both received monotherapy (p = 0.031). The oxygenation index also decreased significantly in the dual-therapy group (p = 0.002) compared with the monotherapy groups. Combined use of both drugs demonstrated a beneficial synergistic effect with better outcomes and reduced mortality.

Conclusion: Dual therapy using sildenafil and milrinone was superior to monotherapy with either drug in neonates with severe PPHN and is recommended for use in resource-constrained settings.

Registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry identifier number PACTR201902691230243.