Bosentan in heart transplantation candidates with severe pulmonary hypertension: efficacy, safety and outcome after transplantation.

Background: Increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is associated with increased right ventricular failure and mortality after heart transplantation.

Methods: In this prospective study, 22 patients considered high-risk candidates for heart transplantation because of severe pulmonary hypertension (PVR = 6 ± 2 Wood units; transpulmonary gradient 22 ± 7 mmHg), received bosentan 125 mg bid. Right heart catheterization was repeated after four months (n = 22) and 12 months (n = 9).