Reactions 469 - 18 Sep 1993

Nifedipine danger in primarypulmonary hypertension

The death of a woman with primary pulmonaryhypertension after she received a single dose ofnifedipine 20mg, highlights the critical importance oftesting such patients in an experienced setting,comments Dr Stuart Rich from the University of Illinois,Chicago, US.

As primary pulmonary hypertension is uncommon,many doctors feel that these patients should be treatedin centres that have the appropriate expertise. At theinstitution where Dr Rich practises, over 300 patientswith primary pulmonary hypertension have beensuccessfully challenged with calcium-channel blockers,with no incidents of cardiogenic shock or death.

Dr Rich comments that adenosine, with a very shorthalf-life, is a safe alternative drug to use as a testingagent for patients with primary pulmonaryhypertension.Rich S. Death in a patient with primary pulmonary hypertension after 20 mg ofnifedipine. Reply. New England Journal of Medicine 329: 812-813, 9 Sep1993 800221610

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Reactions 18 Sep 1993 No. 4690114-9954/10/0469-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved