Viagra May Help Kids With Lung Disease

Viagra may come to the rescue of children with a rare and deadly lung condition, Canadian researchers report. Children with pulmonary arterial hypertension usually die within a year of diagnosis if not effectively treated. There are drugs that can prolong their lives, but they appear to be of limited benefit. However, 14 boys and girls aged 5 to 18 were still alive one year after beginning treatment with the erectile dysfunction drug, according to a report in the June 14 issue of Circulation. Viagra was also easier to use than existing therapies and caused minimal side effects.