Viagra and Cialis are two of the most popular drugs in the world today, accounting for millions of prescriptions and users. Each treats erectile dysfunction in men, though the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, has other uses. First used to treat heart patients, researchers discovered later on that Viagra was able to help impotent men get erections. This led to the development of specific dosages and drug regimens for males who suffered from E.D. Now, it appears that yet another use for Viagra is at hand. Some research has shown that the drug slows the progression of disfiguring growths in children. Though all the studies currently being done on this aspect of Viagra are in the early stages, it could bring hope to many young patients who have nowhere else to turn. Unfortunately, the treatment option for children who suffer from the disfiguring disease is expensive. Nor is anyone saying that sildenafil is a cure for the malady. The lymphatic malformations, as they are properly called, lead to overly large vessels and fluid retention vestibules in small children and babies. No one, even in the scientific community, knows what causes babies and children to develop severe lymphatic malformations, but the theory is that it has something to do with clogged lymph systems in their tiny bodies.
The growths can become quite large, even to the point that they block entire areas of the respiratory system in victims. Most of the time, the only viable option is surgery. Unfortunately, even that is impossible in many cases because of where the blockage is, or how severe it is.
Only three children have been involved in the informal study with sildenafil so far, but results have been very promising. Researchers are optimistic that even though the treatment does not completely eliminate the growths, the drug might make surgery easier and safer for those who have the disease. The concern now is to get the cost down, as the typical regimen for a victim has a price tag in the region of $1000 per month.
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