Sildenafil for Early Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Scleroderma
This is a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sildenafil in men and women with Scleroderma with mildly elevated pulmonary pressures (SSc-MEP) to determine whether sildenafil may be an effective treatment for SSc-MEP.
• Previous documentation of mean pulmonary artery pressure between 21 and 24 mm Hg with a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (or left ventricular end-diastolic pressure) ≤ 15 mm Hg within six months before study entry.
• Diagnosis of SSc according to 2013 American College of Rheumatology/ European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria.
• Pulmonary function tests with forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) \>50% AND either a) total lung capacity (TLC) or forced vital capacity (FVC) \> 70% predicted or b) TLC or FVC between 60% and 70% predicted with no more than mild interstitial lung disease on computerized tomography scan of the chest on studies obtained within 6 months of enrollment.
• Ventilation perfusion scan or computed tomography with intravenous contrast (CT angiogram) without evidence of chronic thromboembolism at anytime before study entry.
• Ability to perform six minute walk testing without significant limitations in musculoskeletal function or coordination.
• Informed consent.