Safety assessment of sildenafil use in neonates: a real-world data analysis based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS).

Abstract

Background: The safety of neonatal sildenafil use remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate adverse events (AEs) associated with sildenafil use in neonates.

Research design and methods: We collected data on AEs associated with sildenafil use in neonates from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database, spanning from its inception of the database in 2004 to 2023. Disproportionality measures were employed to analyze the correlation between AEs and sildenafil.

Results: Sildenafil was identified as the primary suspect drug in 75 AE reports, involving 214 AEs. Three system organ classes, namely, eye disorders, hepatobiliary disorders, and vascular disorders were associated with sildenafil use. Six preferred terms, namely, flushing, retinopathy of prematurity, hyperbilirubinemia, pulmonary hemorrhage, hypotension, and diarrhea were associated with sildenafil use. Notably, hyperbilirubinemia and pulmonary hemorrhage were previously unreported AEs associated with sildenafil use.

Conclusion: The results highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the safety of neonatal sildenafil use and provide vital support for risk monitoring and identification in neonates receiving sildenafil. Additionally, the study underscores the need for continuous safety surveillance in neonates treated with sildenafil and suggests further exploration of the precise causal relationships between AEs and sildenafil.