Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 81
Filter
Add more filters

Country/Region as subject
Publication year range
1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38984912

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex fatal condition which requires aggressive treatment with close monitoring. Significant progress has been made over the last three decades in the treatment of PAH but despite this progress, survival has remained unacceptably low. In the quest to improve survival, therapeutic interventions play a central role. In the last few years, there have been remarkable attempts to identify novel treatments. Finally, we have had a breakthrough with the discovery of the fourth treatment pathway in PAH. Activin signaling inhibition distinguishes itself as a potential antiproliferative intervention as opposed to the traditional therapies which mediate their effect primarily by vasodilatation. With this novel treatment pathway, we stand at an important milestone with an exciting future ahead and the natural question of when to utilize Activin signaling inhibitor (ASI) for the treatment of PAH. In this state-of-the-art review, we focus on the placement of this novel agent in the PAH treatment paradigm based on the available evidence, with special focus on the US patient population. This review also provides an expert opinion of the current treatment algorithm on important subgroups of patients with comorbidities from the US perspective.

2.
Pulm Pharmacol Ther ; 83: 102266, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37967762

ABSTRACT

Tyvaso DPI is a drug-device combination therapy comprised of a small, portable, reusable, breath-powered, dry powder inhaler (DPI) for the delivery of treprostinil. It is approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease. Tyvaso DPI utilizes single-use prefilled cartridges to ensure proper dosing. Unlike nebulizer devices, administration of Tyvaso DPI is passive and does not require coordination with the device. The low-flow rate design results in targeted delivery to the peripheral lungs due to minimal drug loss from impaction in the oropharynx. The inert fumaryl diketopiperazine (FDKP) excipient forms microparticles that carry treprostinil into the airways, with a high fraction of the particles in the respirable range. In a clinical study in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, Tyvaso DPI had similar exposure and pharmacokinetics, low incidence of adverse events, and high patient satisfaction compared with nebulized treprostinil solution. Tyvaso DPI may be considered as a first prostacyclin agent or for those that do not tolerate other prostacyclin formulations, patients with pulmonary comorbidities, patients with mixed Group 1 and Group 3 pulmonary hypertension, or those that prefer an active lifestyle and need a portable, non-invasive treatment. Tyvaso DPI is a patient-preferred, maintenance-free, safe delivery option that may improve patient compliance and adherence.


Subject(s)
Hypertension, Pulmonary , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension , Humans , Dry Powder Inhalers , Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Epoprostenol/adverse effects , Administration, Inhalation , Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension/drug therapy
3.
Semin Respir Crit Care Med ; 44(6): 866-876, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37459883

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, incurable disease that results in significant symptom burden, health care utilization, and eventually premature death. Despite the advancements made in treatment and management strategies, survival has remained poor. End-of-life care is a challenging issue in management of PAH, especially when patients are in younger age group. End-of-life care revolves around symptom palliation and reducing psychosocial disease burden for a dying patient and entails advanced care planning that are often challenging. Thus, support from palliative care specialist becomes extremely important in these patients. Early introduction to palliative care in patients with high symptom burden and psychosocial suffering is suggested. Despite of the benefits of an early intervention, palliative care remains underutilized in patients with PAH, and this significantly raises issues around end-of-life care in PAH. In this review, we will discuss the opportunities offered and the existing barriers in addressing high symptom burden and end-of-life care issues. We will focus on the current evidence, identify areas for future research, and provide a call-to-action for better guidance to PAH specialists in making timely, appropriate interventions that can help mitigate end-of-life care issues.


Subject(s)
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension , Terminal Care , Humans , Palliative Care/methods , Palliative Care/psychology , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/therapy , Quality of Life/psychology , Terminal Care/methods , Terminal Care/psychology , Death
4.
Ann Hematol ; 100(3): 667-673, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33439304

ABSTRACT

The severe pneumonia caused by the human coronavirus (hCoV)-SARS-CoV-2 has inflicted heavy casualties, especially among the elderly and those with co-morbid illnesses irrespective of their age. The high mortality in African-Americans and males, in general, raises the concern for a possible X-linked mediated process that could affect the viral pathogenesis and the immune system. We hypothesized that G6PD, the most common X-linked enzyme deficiency, associated with redox status, may have a role in severity of pneumonia. Retrospective chart review was performed in hospitalized patients with COVID19 pneumonia needing supplemental oxygen. A total of 17 patients were evaluated: six with G6PD deficiency (G6PDd) and 11 with normal levels. The two groups (normal and G6PDd) were comparable in terms of age, sex, co-morbidities, and laboratory parameters-LDH, IL-6, CRP, and ferritin, respectively. Thirteen patients needed ventilatory support ; 8 in the normal group and 5 in the G6PDd group (72% vs.83%). The main differences indicating increasing severity in normal vs. G6PDd groups included G6PD levels (12.2 vs. 5.6, P = 0.0002), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (159 vs. 108, P = 0.05), days on mechanical ventilation (10.25 vs. 21 days P = 0.04), hemoglobin level (10 vs. 8.1 P = 0.03), and hematocrit (32 vs. 26 P = 0.015). Only one patient with G6PDd died; 16 were discharged home. Our clinical series ascribes a possible biological role for G6PDd in SARS-CoV2 viral proliferation. It is imperative that further studies are performed to understand the interplay between the viral and host factors in G6PDd that may lead to disparity in outcomes. KEY POINTS: • COVID19 studies show higher mortality in men, due to severe pneumonia and ARDS, indicating possible X-linked mediated differences • G6PD, the most common X-linked enzymopathy, highly prevalent in African Americans and Italians, maintains redox homeostasis. • Preclinical studies using G6PD deficient (G6PDd) cells infected with human coronavirus (hCoV), show impaired cellular responses, viral proliferation and worsening oxidative damage. • Retrospective chart review in hospitalized patients with COVID19 pneumonia needing supplemental oxygen shows differences between the two groups (Normal and G6PDd) in hematological indices; the G6PDdgroup demonstrated prolonged PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and longer days on mechanical ventilation indicating the severity of the pneumonia.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/complications , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/etiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Black or African American , COVID-19/blood , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing , Contraindications, Drug , Critical Care , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/blood , Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/ethnology , Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency/physiopathology , Humans , Hydroxychloroquine/adverse effects , Hydroxychloroquine/therapeutic use , Male , Middle Aged , Oxidative Stress , Respiration, Artificial , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/blood , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Distribution
5.
Int J Mol Sci ; 21(21)2020 Oct 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33138181

ABSTRACT

The 1918 influenza killed approximately 50 million people in a few short years, and now, the world is facing another pandemic. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an international outbreak of a respiratory illness termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and rapidly spread to cause the worst pandemic since 1918. Recent clinical reports highlight an atypical presentation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients characterized by severe hypoxemia, an imbalance of the renin-angiotensin system, an increase in thrombogenic processes, and a cytokine release storm. These processes not only exacerbate lung injury but can also promote pulmonary vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction, which are hallmarks of pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH is a complication of ARDS that has received little attention; thus, we hypothesize that PH in COVID-19-induced ARDS represents an important target for disease amelioration. The mechanisms that can promote PH following SARS-CoV-2 infection are described. In this review article, we outline emerging mechanisms of pulmonary vascular dysfunction and outline potential treatment options that have been clinically tested.


Subject(s)
Acute Lung Injury/pathology , Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy , Coronavirus Infections/pathology , Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/pathology , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/pathology , Vasoconstriction/physiology , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Cytokine Release Syndrome/drug therapy , Cytokine Release Syndrome/pathology , Kallikrein-Kinin System/physiology , Pandemics , Renin-Angiotensin System/physiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/drug therapy , Vasoconstriction/drug effects
6.
Lung ; 197(6): 761-768, 2019 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31696306

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Epoprostenol, a synthetic prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) analog, has been the mainstay of treatment for severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) for the last two decades. Treprostinil, another synthetic prostaglandin analog, and selexipag, an oral selective Inositol Phosphate (IP) prostacyclin receptor agonist, have also been approved for treatment of PAH. Prostacyclin and its analogs cause a variety of side effects in patients with PAH; however, thyroid dysfunction is rarely reported. METHODS: After treating an index case of thyroid dysfunction occurring after initiation of epoprostenol, we reviewed our databases of PAH patients treated with epoprostenol, treprostinil or selexipag to identify the occurrence of this association. RESULTS: We identified six cases of thyroid dysfunction in our cohort: five after initiation of an intravenous prostacyclin (epoprostenol) and one after initiation of an oral prostacyclin receptor agonist (selexipag). Four of the patients presented with hyperthyroidism and two with a large autoimmune goiter. Graves' disease was seen in three patients, Hashimoto's disease in two patients and thyrotoxicosis in one patient. CONCLUSION: Therapy with medications targeting the prostacyclin pathway is a potential risk factor for the development of symptomatic thyroid disease.


Subject(s)
Acetamides/adverse effects , Antihypertensive Agents/adverse effects , Epoprostenol/adverse effects , Goiter/chemically induced , Hyperthyroidism/chemically induced , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/drug therapy , Pyrazines/adverse effects , Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/chemically induced , Adult , Aged , Female , Graves Disease/chemically induced , Hashimoto Disease/chemically induced , Humans , Male , Thyrotoxicosis/chemically induced
8.
J Asthma ; 53(6): 635-43, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27064727

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The occurrence of radiological sinusitis in patients with asthma without any obvious nasal symptoms could possibly increase the severity of asthma. We investigated the occurrence and impact of sinusitis on computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (CT-PNS) in patients with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Effect of sinusitis on the quality of life (QoL) was also assessed. METHODS: All subjects underwent spirometry with reversibility, CT-PNS, intradermal test against common aeroallergens and responded to Symptom Severity Score and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI). Of the 216 consecutive patients, 27 had asthma without nasal symptoms (Group 1), 58 had asthma with allergic rhinitis (Group 2) and 131 had allergic rhinitis (Group 3). Thirty normal healthy controls without atopy were also included (Group 4). RESULTS: 20/27 (74%) patients in Group 1 had sinusitis on CT-PNS. 48/58 (82%) patients in Group 2 and 88/131 (67%) patients in Group 3 had chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) as confirmed on CT-PNS. 6/30 (20%) healthy controls in Group 4 had mucosal thickening. Asthmatics with radiological sinusitis in Group 1 and with CRS in Group 2 had significantly lower FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, were more symptomatic and had a greater impairment of QoL. The mean sinus severity score was significantly higher in Group 2. In Group 3, sinusitis occurred significantly higher in "blockers" than "sneezers-runners" (41/79 versus 47/52, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of radiological sinusitis on CT-PNS in asthmatics without nasal symptoms and CRS in allergic rhinitis with or without asthma increases the severity of the disease and affects the QoL.


Subject(s)
Asthma/epidemiology , Paranasal Sinuses/diagnostic imaging , Rhinitis, Allergic/epidemiology , Sinusitis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Quality of Life , Respiratory Function Tests , Severity of Illness Index , Sinusitis/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Young Adult
9.
Curr Opin Pulm Med ; 20(4): 340-6, 2014 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24811835

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pulmonary manifestations have been well described in leukemia, but pleural disease is less common. This review highlights pleural effusions in acute and chronic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) based on the evidence to date. Diagnostic workup and recommendations for the management of these effusions are also outlined. RECENT FINDINGS: Pleural effusions in patients with leukemia are most often due to infection and to a lesser extent leukemic infiltration of the pleura. The prognostic implications of these effusions are unclear, but survival is most likely determined by the underlying malignancy and its response to treatment. New therapies have changed survival in these patients, and some of these treatments, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have emerged as important causes for these effusions. Pleural interventions may be accomplished with few complications. SUMMARY: Pleural effusions may occur with acute and chronic leukemia and MDS. Infection remains the most common cause. Malignant pleural effusions tend to occur in advanced disease in chronic leukemia, but they can be seen at any time with acute leukemia and MDS. With standard precautions, pleural procedures may be performed safely in this population. In cases of unclear cause, pleural and bone marrow biopsy should be considered.


Subject(s)
Leukemia/pathology , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology , Pleural Effusion/etiology , Pleural Effusion/pathology , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Acute Disease , Biopsy , Bone Marrow/pathology , Chronic Disease , Dasatinib , Humans , Leukemia/complications , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/complications , Pleura/pathology , Pleural Effusion/chemically induced , Prognosis , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Pyrimidines/adverse effects , Thiazoles/adverse effects
11.
Clin Kidney J ; 17(4): sfae047, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38572501

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of renal failure in pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an ominous sign and implies excessive adverse hemodynamic factors. Pharmacologic agents to treat the PH are the mainstay of management, whereas diuretics assist in management of fluid overload. However, when such measures fail, dialysis and ultrafiltration (UF) become necessary to manage progressive azotemia and hypervolemia. Reversal of PH is essential to interrupt this vicious cycle of multisystem failure; otherwise, the need for renal replacement therapy would be permanent.

12.
Chest ; 2024 Mar 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38447640

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification is the cornerstone of the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Current European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines recommend using the Comparative, Prospective Registry of Newly Initiated Therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension (COMPERA) three-strata risk model at baseline and the COMPERA 2.0 four-strata model at follow-up. However, the guidelines did not take into consideration other available risk scores such as the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) Lite 2. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is REVEAL Lite 2 better at discriminating risk than the COMPERA risk assessment models at baseline or follow-up evaluations? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study analyzed data from patients with PAH consecutively enrolled between June 2011 and February 2022 in the PAH registry at our expert Pulmonary Hypertension Center. Patients were stratified according to REVEAL Lite 2 and COMPERA three- and four-strata risk scores at baseline and follow-up to predict the composite outcome for lung transplantation or death. Receiver-operating characteristic curves in predicting the binary outcome at 3, 5, and 7 years were plotted. Areas under the curve of the scores were compared by using the χ2 test. The performance of the scores was determined according to the Harrel C statistic. RESULTS: A total of 296 patients were included for baseline and 196 for follow-up evaluation. The overall transplant-free survival in the patient population at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years was 93.6%, 81.3%, 75.1%, and 68.8%, respectively. At baseline, the C statistic of REVEAL Lite 2 was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69-0.80), compared with 0.68 (95% CI, 0.63-0.74) for the COMPERA four-strata model and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.58-0.69) for the COMPERA three-strata model. All C statistic differences between REVEAL Lite 2 and the other models were statistically significant at baseline. INTERPRETATION: Our analysis showed that REVEAL Lite 2 was better at baseline at discriminating risk in this patient population. Future guidelines should consider including REVEAL Lite 2 in the management algorithm to help clinicians make informed decisions. Further analysis in larger cohorts could help validate these findings.

13.
Lancet Respir Med ; 12(7): 523-534, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38705167

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remain high. Activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor, and mast or stem cell growth factor receptor kinases stimulates inflammatory, proliferative, and fibrotic pathways driving pulmonary vascular remodelling in PAH. Seralutinib, an inhaled kinase inhibitor, targets these pathways. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of seralutinib in patients with PAH receiving standard background therapy. METHODS: The TORREY trial was a phase 2, randomised, multicentre, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with PAH from 40 hospital and community sites were randomly assigned 1:1 via interactive response technologies to receive seralutinib (60 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, then increased to 90 mg twice daily as tolerated) or placebo by dry powder inhaler twice daily for 24 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by baseline pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; <800 dyne·s/cm5 and ≥800 dyne·s/cm5). Patients were eligible if classified as WHO Group 1 PH (PAH), WHO Functional Class II or III, with a PVR of 400 dyne·s/cm5 or more, and a 6 min walk distance of between 150 m and 550 m. The primary endpoint was change in PVR from baseline to 24 weeks. Analyses for efficacy endpoints were conducted in randomly assigned patients (intention-to-treat population). Safety analyses included all patients who received the study drug. TORREY was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04456998) and EudraCT (2019-002669-37) and is completed. FINDINGS: From Nov 12, 2020, to April 20, 2022, 151 patients were screened for eligibility, and following exclusions, 86 adults receiving PAH background therapy were randomly assigned to seralutinib (n=44; four male, 40 female) or placebo (n=42; four male, 38 female), and comprised the intention-to-treat population. At baseline, treatment groups were balanced except for a higher representation of WHO Functional Class II patients in the seralutinib group. The least squares mean change from baseline to week 24 in PVR was 21·2 dyne·s/cm5 (95% CI -37·4 to 79·8) for the placebo group and -74·9 dyne·s/cm5 (-139·7 to -10·2) for the seralutinib group. The least squares mean difference between the seralutinib and placebo groups for change in PVR was -96·1 dyne·s/cm5 (95% CI -183·5 to -8·8; p=0·03). The most common treatment-emergent adverse event in both treatment groups was cough: 16 (38%) of 42 patients in the placebo group; 19 (43%) of 44 patients in the seralutinib group. INTERPRETATION: Treatment with inhaled seralutinib significantly decreased PVR, meeting the primary endpoint of the study among patients receiving background therapy for PAH. FUNDING: Gossamer Bio.


Subject(s)
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension , Humans , Male , Double-Blind Method , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Treatment Outcome , Aged , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/drug therapy , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Vascular Resistance/drug effects , Administration, Inhalation , Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy
14.
Chest ; 2024 Mar 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38508334

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous disease with a poor prognosis. Accurate risk stratification is essential for guiding treatment decisions in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although various risk models have been developed for PAH, their comparative prognostic potential requires further exploration. Additionally, the applicability of risk scores in PH groups beyond group 1 remains to be investigated. RESEARCH QUESTION: Are risk scores originally developed for PAH predictive in PH groups 1 through 4? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of outcomes among patients with incident PH enrolled in the multicenter worldwide Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute GoDeep meta-registry. Analyses were performed across PH groups 1 through 4 and further subgroups to evaluate the predictive value of PAH risk scores, including REVEAL Lite 2, REVEAL 2.0, ESC/ERS 2022, COMPERA 3-strata, and COMPERA 4-strata. RESULTS: Eight thousand five hundred sixty-five patients were included in the study, of whom 3,537 patients were assigned to group 1 PH, whereas 1,807 patients, 1,635 patients, and 1,586 patients were assigned to group 2 PH, group 3 PH, and group 4 PH, respectively. Pulmonary hemodynamics were impaired with median mean pulmonary arterial pressure of 42 mm Hg (33-52 mm Hg) and pulmonary vascular resistance of 7 WU (4-11 WU). All risk scores were prognostic in the entire PH population and in each of the PH groups 1 through 4. The REVEAL scores, when used as continuous prediction models, demonstrated the highest statistical prognostic power and granularity; the COMPERA 4-strata risk score provided subdifferentiation of the intermediate-risk group. Similar results were obtained when separately analyzing various subgroups (PH subgroups 1.1, 1.4.1, and 1.4.4; PH subgroups 3.1 and 3.2; group 2 with isolated postcapillary PH vs combined precapillary and postcapillary PH; patients of all groups with concomitant cardiac comorbidities; and severe [> 5 WU] vs nonsevere PH). INTERPRETATION: This comprehensive study with real-world data from 15 PH centers showed that PAH-designed risk scores possess predictive power in a large PH cohort, whether considered as common to the group or calculated separately for each PH group (1-4) and various subgroups.

15.
Respir Med ; 206: 107034, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36511685

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is usually associated with a normal or decreased cardiac output (CO). Less commonly, PH can occur in the context of a hyperdynamic circulation, characterized by high CO (>8 L/min) and/or cardiac index ≥4 L/min/m2 in the setting of a decreased systemic vascular resistance. PH due to high CO can occur due to multiple conditions and in general remains understudied. In this review article we describe the pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, hemodynamic characteristics, and management of PH in the setting of high CO. It is important to recognize this distinct entity as PH tends to improve with treatment of the underlying etiology and PH specific therapies may worsen the hemodynamic state.


Subject(s)
Cardiac Output, High , Hypertension, Pulmonary , Humans , Cardiac Output , Hemodynamics/physiology , Hypertension, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Hypertension, Pulmonary/etiology , Hypertension, Pulmonary/therapy , Vascular Resistance/physiology
16.
Respir Med ; 211: 107196, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36889521

ABSTRACT

Effective clinical decision-making in initial treatment selection and switching or escalations of therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) depends on multiple factors including the patient's risk profile. Data from clinical trials suggest that switching from a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) to the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat may provide clinical benefit in patients not reaching treatment goals. In this review, we cover the clinical evidence for riociguat combination regimens for patients with PAH and discuss their evolving role in upfront combination therapy and switching from a PDE5i as an alternative to escalating therapy. Specifically, we review current evidence which suggests or provides a hypothesis for 1) the potential use of riociguat plus endothelin receptor antagonist combinations for upfront combination therapy in patients with PAH at intermediate to high risk of 1-year mortality and 2) the benefits of switching to riociguat from a PDE5i in patients who are not achieving treatment goals with PDE5i-based dual combination therapy and at intermediate risk.


Subject(s)
Hypertension, Pulmonary , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension , Humans , Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/drug therapy , Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy , Pyrazoles , Pyrimidines , Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension/drug therapy
17.
Pulm Circ ; 13(4): e12303, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37937122

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left-sided valvular disease (VHD-PH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) is a novel pharmacotherapy, which reduces afterload with natriuresis and peripheral vasodilation. Our cases demonstrate that ARNI may also have a role in the treatment of combined pre- and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension that is independent of its effect on pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac output. Future prospective trials are needed to evaluate role of ARNIs in treatment of VHD-PH.

18.
Pulm Circ ; 13(3): e12259, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37397234

ABSTRACT

Heritable pulmonary artery hypertension (HPAH) is an increasingly recognized type of pulmonary arterial hypertension, in both pediatric and adult population. Intrinsic to hereditary disease, screening for genetic mutations within families is an important component of diagnosis and understanding burden of disease. Recently, consensus guidelines are published for genetic screening in PAH. These guidelines include recommendations for screening at diagnosis, noting individuals with presumed PAH due to familial, or idiopathic etiologies. Cascade genetic testing is specifically recommended as a testing paradigm to screen relatives for detection of mutation carriers, who may be asymptomatic. Without targeted genetic testing, familial mutation carriers may only come to attention when pulmonary vascular disease burden is high enough to cause symptoms, suggesting more advanced disease. Here, we present our collective experience with HPAH in five distinct families, specifically to report on the clinical courses of patients who were diagnosed with genetic mutation at diagnosis versus those who were offered genetic screening. In three families, asymptomatic mutation carriers were identified and monitored for clinical worsening. In two families, screening was not done and affected family members presented with advanced disease.

19.
Ann Am Thorac Soc ; 20(12): 1752-1759, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37561068

ABSTRACT

Rationale: Guidelines recommend using end-expiration pulmonary pressure measurements to determine the hemodynamic subgroups in pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) determinations averaged across the respiratory cycle (PAWPav) instead of PAWP at end-expiration (PAWPee) and cardiac output (CO) measured by Fick (COFick) instead of thermodilution (COTD) may affect the hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension. Objectives: To assess the impact on the pulmonary hypertension hemodynamic classification of the use of PAWPee versus PAWPav as well as COFick versus COTD. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients (n = 151) who underwent right heart catheterization with COTD, COFick, PAWPee, and PAWPav. A secondary cohort consisted of consecutive patients (n = 71) who had mean pulmonary artery pressure at end-expiration (mPAPee) and mPAP averaged across the respiratory cycle (mPAPav) measured, as well as PAWPee and PAWPav. Results: The PAWPee and PAWPav were 16.8 ± 6.4 and 15.1 ± 6.8 mm Hg, respectively, with a mean difference of 1.7 ± 2.1 mm Hg. The COTD and COFick determinations were 5.0 ± 2.4 and 5.3 ± 2.5 L/min, respectively, with a mean difference of -0.4 ± 1.3 L/min. The hemodynamic group distribution was significantly different when using PAWPee versus PAWPav, when using either COTD or COFick (P < 0.001 for both comparisons), and these results were consistent in our secondary cohort. The pulmonary hypertension hemodynamic group distribution was not significantly different between COTD and COFick when using either PAWPee or PAWPav. Conclusions: The methodology used to measure PAWP, either at end-expiration or averaged across the respiratory cycle, significantly impacts the hemodynamic classification of pulmonary hypertension.


Subject(s)
Hypertension, Pulmonary , Humans , Pulmonary Wedge Pressure , Hypertension, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Cardiac Output , Hemodynamics , Cardiac Catheterization , Pulmonary Artery
20.
Pulm Circ ; 13(2): e12209, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37020706

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a cardiovascular disease with high mortality rate. Current guidelines propose initiation and escalation of PAH-targeted treatment based on a goal-directed approach targeting hemodynamic, functional, and biochemical variables. This approach has been successfully validated in large Caucasian cohorts. However, given the low number of Hispanic patients enrolled in large PAH trials and registries, it is unknown if the same prognostic tools can be applied to this patient population. We analyzed a single-center outpatient cohort that consisted of 135 Hispanic patients diagnosed with PAH. Baseline characteristics were calculated based on COMPERA, COMPERA 2.0 and REVEAL 2.0 risk scores before the initiation of PAH-targeted therapies. The survival rate at 1 year after diagnosis was 88% for the entire cohort. The three established risk scores to predict PAH outcomes yielded similar results with reasonable discrimination of mortality in the different risk strata (all p < 0.001). Hispanic patients with PAH have a high mortality rate. Our analysis suggests that guideline proposed risk assessment at baseline yields important prognostic information in this patient population.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL