The effect of oral sildenafil therapy on health-related quality of life in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension related to uncorrected secundum atrial septal defect: a quasi experimental study

Background Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are often measured as an important patient-reported outcome (PRO) in clinical studies. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of atrial septal defect (ASD). This study aimed to compare the HRQoL of PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD at pre and post therapy with oral sildenafil therapy. Methods We conducted quasi experimental study at Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta since April 2016 to August 2017. Adults with PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD, listed on Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension (COHARD-PH) registry, and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited as subject. Interview was done at pre and 12 weeks post oral sildenafil therapy 3 x 20 mg using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon test and paired T-test to determine the differences of EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score at pre and post therapy. Results A total of 18 adult patients with PAH related to uncorrected secundum ASD were enrolled in this study (83.33% female; mean age 38.72 +/- 10.81 years old). The most frequent reported problems pre therapy were pain/discomfort (83%) and anxiety/depression (78%). Wilcoxon test showed the median of EQ-5D utility score were increased after sildenafil therapy (before = 0.604, after = 0.664; Z = - 2703; p:0.007), respectively. Meanwhile, the paired T-test results showed an increase of EQ-VAS mean difference 6.67 +/- 8.75 (p:0.005; 95% CI 2.32-11.02) after sildenafil therapy. Conclusion The administration of oral sildenafil therapy 3 x 20 mg during 12 weeks in adult patients with PAH related uncorrected secundum ASD gives better HRQoL.