Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease: updated Recommendations of the Cologne Consensus Conference 2011

Elastin stabilization prevents impaired biomechanics in human pulmonary arteries and pulmonary hypertension in rats with left heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension worsens outcome in left heart disease. Stiffening of the pulmonary artery may drive this pathology by increasing right ventricular dysfunction and lung vascular remodeling. Here we show increased stiffness of pulmonary arteries from patients with left heart disease that correlates with impaired pulmonary hemodynamics. Extracellular matrix remodeling in the pulmonary arterial wall, manifested by dysregulated genes implicated in elastin degradation, precedes the onset of pulmonary hypertension. The resulting degradation of elastic fibers is paralleled by an accumulation of fibrillar collagens. Pentagalloyl glucose preserves arterial elastic fibers from elastolysis, reduces inflammation and collagen accumulation, improves pulmonary artery biomechanics, and normalizes right ventricular and pulmonary hemodynamics in a rat model of pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. Thus, targeting extracellular matrix remodeling may present a therapeutic approach for pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease.

Impact of human immunodeficiency virus on pulmonary vascular disease

With the advent of anti-retroviral therapy, non-AIDS-related comorbidities have increased in people living with HIV. Among these comorbidities, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Although chronic HIV-1 infection is independently associated with the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension, PH in people living with HIV may also be the outcome of various co-morbidities commonly observed in these individuals including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left heart disease and co-infections. In addition, the association of these co-morbidities and other risk factors, such as illicit drug use, can exacerbate the development of pulmonary vascular disease. This review will focus on these complex interactions contributing to PH development and exacerbation in HIV patients. We also examine the interactions of HIV proteins, including Nef, Tat, and gp120 in the pulmonary vasculature and how these proteins alter the endothelial and smooth muscle function by transforming them into susceptible PH phenotype. The review also discusses the available infectious and non-infectious animal models to study HIV-associated PAH, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each model, along with their ability to mimic the clinical manifestations of HIV-PAH.

Metabolic Syndrome Exacerbates Pulmonary Hypertension due to Left Heart Disease

RATIONALE

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease (LHD), or group 2 PH, is the most prevalent form of PH worldwide. PH due to LHD is often associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In 12% to 13% of cases, patients with PH due to LHD display vascular remodeling of pulmonary arteries (PAs) associated with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown; PH-targeted therapies for this group are nonexistent, and the development of a new preclinical model is crucial. Among the numerous pathways dysregulated in MetS, inflammation plays also a critical role in both PH and vascular remodeling.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that MetS and inflammation may trigger the development of vascular remodeling in group 2 PH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using supracoronary aortic banding, we induced diastolic dysfunction in rats. Then we induced MetS by a combination of high-fat diet and olanzapine treatment. We used metformin treatment and anti-IL-6 (interleukin-6) antibodies to inhibit the IL-6 pathway. Compared with sham conditions, only supracoronary aortic banding+MetS rats developed precapillary PH, as measured by both echocardiography and right/left heart catheterization. PH in supracoronary aortic banding+MetS was associated with macrophage accumulation and increased IL-6 production in lung. PH was also associated with STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activation and increased proliferation of PA smooth muscle cells, which contributes to remodeling of distal PA. We reported macrophage accumulation, increased IL-6 levels, and STAT3 activation in the lung of group 2 PH patients. In vitro, IL-6 activates STAT3 and induces human PA smooth muscle cell proliferation. Metformin treatment decreased inflammation, IL-6 levels, STAT3 activation, and human PA smooth muscle cell proliferation. In vivo, in the supracoronary aortic banding+MetS animals, reducing IL-6, either by anti-IL-6 antibody or metformin treatment, reversed pulmonary vascular remodeling and improve PH due to LHD.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a new preclinical model of group 2 PH by combining MetS with LHD. We showed that MetS exacerbates group 2 PH. We provided evidence for the importance of the IL-6-STAT3 pathway in our experimental model of group 2 PH and human patients.

ANTIBIOGRAM STUDY AND ANTIBIOTIC USE EVALUATION USING GYSSEN METHOD IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC FOOT

Foot infection is a common and serious problem in people with diabetes, which require proper management (diagnostic and therapeutic approaches) that can be cured. Empiric antibiotic regimen should be based on clinical data and bacteria pattern that are available, but definitive therapy should be based on the results of the infected tissue culture. The selection of initial antibiotic therapy was difficult and unwise use can lead to antibiotic-resistant. Evaluation is needed for using antibiotics to benefit wisely. The aim of this research is to analyzed the pattern of bacteria in diabetic foot and to its sensitivity test to antibiotics, analyze empiric antibiotics that can be recommended, and analyzed the use of antibiotics by Gyssen method. Data was analyzed with observational studies (descriptive non-experimental), retrospectively and prospectively in patients diabetic foot infection that met inclusion criteria. Retrospective data are used to analyzed bacteria pattern and its sensitivity test, while prospective data are used to evaluated the use of antibiotics based on bacteria pattern, during the period of late March-early August 2015 at Mardi Waluyo Hospital. Evaluation was conducted by Gyssen method. The results, retrospective data samples obtained 30 infection bacteria during August 2014-March 2015. The prevalence of gram-negative bacteria as 53.33% with most types of bacteria E.coli and Klebsiella oxytoca (13.33%), and gram-positive bacteria as 46.67% with the highest bacteria are Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. From the prospective data in inclusion criteria, 13 patients with the highest prevalence of gram-negative bacteria are Klebsiella oxytoca (28.57%), and most gram-positive Staphylococcus auerus (35.71%). While the qualitative analysis of antibiotic use was conducted on 50 types of antibiotics. The results of the qualitative analysis using Gyssens method obtained category as 62%, 2%, 14%, 2B category as 26%, 3A category as 10%, 4A category 52%, 4B category as 6%, 4C category as 8% and there are no use of antibiotics in the category V and VI. Conclusions, Gyessen method can show that the use of antibiotics in diabetic foot patients in Mardi Waluyo hospital is dominated by inaccuracy in choice of antibiotic, and inaccuracies in the interval antibiotics.

Pulmonary Hypertension: Scientometric Analysis and Density-Equalizing Mapping

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by the increase of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure in the lung circulation. Despite the large number of experimental and clinical studies conducted on pulmonary hypertension, there is no comprehensive work that analyzed the global research activity on PH so far. We retrieved the bibliometric data of the publications on pulmonary hypertension for two periods from the Web of science database. Here, we set the first investigation period from 1900 to 2007 (t1) due to the cited half life of articles and the relating difficulties to interpret the citation parameters. The second evaluation period (t2) covers the time interval from 2008 onwards including the year 2015. The data were analyzed and processed to density-equalizing maps using the NewQIS platform. A total number of 18,986 publications were identified in t1 that come from 85 countries. The US published the highest number of publications (n = 7,290), followed by the UK, Germany, Japan and France. In t2 19,676 items could be found worked out by 130 countries. The raking started just the same with the USA as most publishing nation with 7,127 publications on PH, followed by the UK and Germany. Japan fell back on 6^th place, whereas China came into view on the 5^th position. Analyzing the average citation rate as a parameter for research quality, Mexico reached the highest value in t1 and Ireland in t2. While, the country specific h-index underlined the leading position of the US research in both evaluation periods again. The average number of international collaboration items was expanding from none in 1978 to 530 items in 2015 with the USA as the country with the highest number of collaboration articles. The present study is the first large scale density-equalizing mapping and scientometric analysis of global PH research activity. Our data draw a sketch of the global research architecture in this field, indicating a need for specific research programs in countries with a lower human development index.

Shape of the Pulmonary Artery Doppler-Flow Profile Predicts the Hemodynamics of Pulmonary Hypertension Caused by Left-Sided Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Previous studies demonstrated a relationship between pulmonary hemodynamics and shape of pulmonary artery (PA) Doppler-flow profiles in a mixed pulmonary hypertension (PH) cohort.

HYPOTHESIS

Shape of PA Doppler-flow profiles could illustrate the hemodynamic characteristics of pulmonary venous hypertension (PVH), especially identifying it with or without pulmonary vascular disease (PVD).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and clinical data from 47 patients referred for PH caused by left-sided heart disease (PH-LHD). All patients underwent right-sided heart catheterization within 1 week of echocardiography. We concluded a simple echocardiographic prediction rule to give hemodynamic differentiation of PVH with PVD, defined as capillary wedge pressure >15 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >3 Wood units (WU). The PA Doppler-flow profiles were categorized into 2 groups, no notch (NN) and MSN/LSN.

RESULTS

The PVR was higher in the MSN/LSN group at 4.04 WU (interquartile range, 3.1-5.3) vs the NN group at 1.91 WU (interquartile range, 1.8-3.0; P < 0.001). Pulmonary artery Doppler-flow notching (MSN and LSN) was highly associated with PVR >3 WU, whereas the NN pattern predicted a PVR ≤3 WU (odds ratio: 19.8, 95% confidence interval: 4.3-91.3) and normal transpulmonary pressure gradient ≤12 mm Hg (odds ratio: 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-16.2). The NN pattern had 74% specificity and 88% sensitivity for PVR ≤3 WU.

CONCLUSIONS

Absence of PA Doppler-flow notching was highly associated with PVH, and a notching pattern indicated PVH with PVD in the PH-LHD cohort.

Left ventricular heart failure and pulmonary hypertension

In patients with left ventricular heart failure (HF), the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are frequent and have important impact on disease progression, morbidity, and mortality, and therefore warrant clinical attention. Pulmonary hypertension related to left heart disease (LHD) by far represents the most common form of PH, accounting for 65-80% of cases. The proper distinction between pulmonary arterial hypertension and PH-LHD may be challenging, yet it has direct therapeutic consequences. Despite recent advances in the pathophysiological understanding and clinical assessment, and adjustments in the haemodynamic definitions and classification of PH-LHD, the haemodynamic interrelations in combined post- and pre-capillary PH are complex, definitions and prognostic significance of haemodynamic variables characterizing the degree of pre-capillary PH in LHD remain suboptimal, and there are currently no evidence-based recommendations for the management of PH-LHD. Here, we highlight the prevalence and significance of PH and RV dysfunction in patients with both HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and provide insights into the complex pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary interaction in LHD, which may lead to the evolution from a 'left ventricular phenotype' to a 'right ventricular phenotype' across the natural history of HF. Furthermore, we propose to better define the individual phenotype of PH by integrating the clinical context, non-invasive assessment, and invasive haemodynamic variables in a structured diagnostic work-up. Finally, we challenge current definitions and diagnostic short falls, and discuss gaps in evidence, therapeutic options and the necessity for future developments in this context.

The pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in left heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure leading to right-sided heart failure and can arise from a wide range of etiologies. The most common cause of PH, termed Group 2 PH, is left-sided heart failure and is commonly known as pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease (PH-LHD). Importantly, while sharing many clinical features with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), PH-LHD differs significantly at the cellular and physiological levels. These fundamental pathophysiological differences largely account for the poor response to PAH therapies experienced by PH-LHD patients. The relatively high prevalence of this disease, coupled with its unique features compared with PAH, signal the importance of an in-depth understanding of the mechanistic details of PH-LHD. The present review will focus on the current state of knowledge regarding the pathomechanisms of PH-LHD, highlighting work carried out both in human trials and in preclinical animal models. Adaptive processes at the alveolocapillary barrier and in the pulmonary circulation, including alterations in alveolar fluid transport, endothelial junctional integrity, and vasoactive mediator secretion will be discussed in detail, highlighting the aspects that impact the response to, and development of, novel therapeutics.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: acute hemodynamic effects of inhaled iloprost

Iloprost, an inhaled synthetic prostacyclin analogue, improves hemodynamic and clinical status with minimal systemic adversity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our single-site, prospective case series aimed to determine the effects of iloprost in subjects with group 2 pulmonary hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Patients referred to Boston Medical Center for initial evaluation of suspected pulmonary hypertension received a test dose of 2.5 μg inhaled iloprost, followed by two subsequent doses of 5 μg. Hemodynamic measurements were recorded for each inhalation after 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Results were analyzed via paired t test and signed-rank test. Eight subjects fulfilled criteria and elected to enter the study. There was a reduction of pulmonary arterial pressure (by an average of 7.0 mmHg [P = 0.005] and 4.7 mmHg [P = 0.021] with the first and second 5-μg inhalations, respectively) and pulmonary vascular resistance (by an average of 161.9 dyn·s/cm(5) [P = 0.019] and 95.0 dyn·s/cm(5) [P = 0.014] with the first and second 5-μg inhalations, respectively). There were trends for increased cardiac output and decreased oxygen saturation. There were no changes in other vital or hemodynamic parameters, including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. All patients completed each cycle of iloprost administration without preestablished termination criteria. In patients with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, inhaled iloprost resulted in acute reduction of pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Further evaluation of iloprost in this subset of patients is warranted.

Pulmonary hypertension 2015: current definitions, terminology, and novel treatment options

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common phenomenon that may occur as a consequence of various diseases (e.g., heart failure, chronic lung diseases, and pulmonary embolism), as a distinct disease of the small pulmonary arterioles, or a combination of both. Independently from the origin, PH has important impact on patient´s symptoms and life expectancy. The establishment of an exact diagnosis and classification, as well as the understanding of the hemodynamic interrelations, provides the basis for often challenging treatment decisions. Recently, the 5th World Symposium on PH took place in Nice, France, where important standards and definitions were specified. Furthermore, the results of recent phase III trials have led to the approval of new targeted therapies. The most relevant developments including the rating of novel treatment options are summarized in this article.

Saudi Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease is the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension in the western world. It is classified as WHO PH group II. Different pathophysiologic abnormalities may take place in this condition, including pulmonary venous congestion and vascular remodeling. Despite the high prevalence of WHO group 2 PH, the major focus of research on PH over the past decade has been on WHO group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Few investigators have focused on WHO group 2 PH; consequently, the pathophysiology of this condition remains poorly understood, and no specific therapy is available. Clinical and translational studies in this area are much needed and have the potential to positively affect large numbers of patients. In this review, we provide a detailed discussion upon the pathophysiology of the disease, the recent updates in classification, and the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.

[Cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension. Update after the world conference in Nice]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common phenomenon which may occur as a consequence of various diseases (e.g. heart failure, chronic lung diseases and pulmonary embolism), as a distinct disease of the small pulmonary arterioles or a combination of both. Independent from the origin, PH has an important impact on patient symptoms and prognosis. Establishment of an exact diagnosis and classification as well as an understanding of the hemodynamic interrelationships provide the basis for often challenging treatment decisions. Recently, the fifth World Symposium on PH took place in Nice, France, where important standards and definitions were specified. The most relevant results including the rating of novel treatment options are summarized in this article.

Additional use of a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor in patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic systolic heart failure: a meta-analysis

AIMS

Increased indiscriminate use of pulmonary artery hypertension-targeted drugs has been observed in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to heart failure. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the chronic effects of using phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors to treat patients with PH secondary to chronic systolic heart failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to October 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing PDE5 inhibitor treatments in PH patients secondary to chronic heart failure. Six RCTs involving 206 chronic systolic heart failure patients with PH complications were included. Sildenafil was used in all trials. Sildenafil treatment resulted in fewer hospital admissions compared with the placebo treatment (3.15% vs. 12.20%; risk ratio 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.77). Various haemodynamic parameters were improved with additional sildenafil treatment, including reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure [weighted mean difference (WMD) -5.71 mmHg, P<0.05] and pulmonary vascular resistance (WMD -81.5 dynes/cm(-5), P<0.00001), increased LVEF (WMD 3.95%, P<0.01), and unchanged heart rate and blood pressure. The exercise capacity improved (oxygen consumption at peak exercise, WMD 3.20 mL/min(-1)/kg(-1), P<0.00001; ventilation to CO2 production slope, WMD -5.89, P<0.00001), and the clinical symptoms were relieved based on the breathlessness (WMD 7.72, P<0.00001), fatigue (WMD 2.28, P<0.05), and emotional functioning (WMD 5.92, P<0.00001) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional sildenafil treatment is a potential therapeutic method to improve pulmonary exercise capacity and quality of life by ameliorating PH in patients with chronic systolic heart failure.

Management of pulmonary hypertension in left heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease is classified as group II according to the Dana Point classification, which includes left ventricular systolic and/or diastolic left heart failure, and left-sided valvular disease. PH due to left heart disease is the most common cause and when present, especially with right ventricular dysfunction, is associated with a worse prognosis. Left heart disease with secondary PH is associated with increased left atrial pressure, which causes a passive increase in pulmonary pressure. Passive PH could be superimposed by an active protective, and in some patients by an ‘out of proportion’, elevated precapillary pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodelling which leads to greater or lesser further increase of the pulmonary artery pressure. In this review, epidemiological and pathophysiologic mechanisms for the development of group II PH are summarized. The conflicting data about the haemodynamic and possible parameters to diagnose passive versus reactive and ‘out of proportion’ PH are presented. The different therapeutic concepts, along with novel treatment strategies, are reviewed in detail and critically discussed regarding their effectiveness and safety.