Pentoxifylline in hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Aim: To determine the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on clinical manifestations and evaluate arterial blood gas data in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in children.

Methods: In a pilot study of 10 children with chronic liver disease, who had HPS, 20 mg/kg/d PTX was administered for 3 mo. Clinical data and arterial blood gas parameters were evaluated at baseline, the end of the treatment period, and 3 mo after drug discontinuation.

Results: Six patients could tolerate PTX, while four patients experienced complications. Among patients who could tolerate PTX, there was a significant increase in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO(2)) (P = 0.02) and oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) (P = 0.04) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P = 0.02) after 3 mo of treatment. Significant decreases in PaO(2) (P = 0.02) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P = 0.02) were also seen after drug discontinuation.

Conclusion: PTX may improve PaO(2), SaO(2) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient in the early stage of HPS.