Evaluation of Macitentan in Patients With Eisenmenger Syndrome

[Pulmonary hypertension in adults with congenital heart disease in light of the 2022-ESC-PAH guidelines - Part II: Supportive therapy, special situations (pregnancy, contraception, non-cardiac surgery), targeted pharmacotherapy, organ transplantation, special management (shunt lesions, left ventricular disorders, univentricular hearts), interventions, intensive care, follow-up, future perspectives]

The number of adults with congenital heart defects (CHD) is steadily rising and amounts to approximately 360,000 in Germany. CHD is often associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH), which may develop early in untreated CHD. Despite timely treatment of CHD, PH not infrequently persists or recurs in older age and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The revised European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society 2022 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PH represent a significant contribution to the optimized care of those affected. However, the topic of "adults with congenital heart disease" is addressed only relatively superficial in these guidelines. Therefore, in the present article, this topic is commented in detail from the perspective of congenital cardiology.

Medical Therapy and Monitoring in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is an increasingly common problem facing ACHD and advanced heart disease and transplant providers. Patients are highly nuanced, and therapies are poorly studied. Standard HF medications are often used in patients who are not targets of large clinical trials. HF management in this data-free zone requires focused, comprehensive team-based care and close follow-up and communication with patients.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Adult Congenital Heart Disease-Related Heart Failure

Already a challenging condition to define, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) -associated heart failure (HF) often incorporates specific anatomies, including intracardiac and extracardiac shunts, which require rigorous diagnostic characterization and heighten the importance of clinicians proactively considering overall hemodynamic impacts of using specific therapies. The presence of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance dramatically increases the complexity of managing patients with ACHD-HF. Total circulatory management in patients with ACHD-HF requires input from multidisciplinary care teams and thoughtful and careful utilization of medical, interventional, and surgical approaches.

Future Perspectives of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Review of Novel Pipeline Treatments and Indications

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by elevated blood pressure and pathological changes in the pulmonary arterioles, leading to the development of right-heart failure and potentially fatal outcomes if left untreated. This review aims to provide an overview of novel drugs or formulations and new drug indications for pulmonary arterial hypertension that are currently in phases II-III of randomized controlled trials, and describe the rationale for the use of these targeted therapies, as well as their efficacy, safety profile, and impact on quality of life and survival. The literature research was conducted using data from ClinicalTrials.gov for the period between 1 January 2016 up to 31 December 2022. The population of interest includes individuals aged ≥ 18 years who have been diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The review selection criteria included trials with recruiting, enrolling by invitation, active, terminated or completed status in 2022 and 2023. A total of 24 studies were selected for evaluation based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review summarizes the updated information from randomized clinical trials involving novel therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, larger clinical trials are required to validate their clinical safety and effects. In the future, clinicians should choose therapies based on the patient's individual situation and requirements when developing treatment strategies.

Application of a modified clinical classification for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease in children: emphasis on atrial septal defects and transposition of the great arteries. An analysis from the TOPP registry

Aims

A proportion of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) do not fit in the current classification. We aimed to analyse the applicability of an adapted clinical classification of PAH-CHD to pediatric patients using the TOPP-1 registry (Tracking Outcomes and Practice in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension) and focus on atrial septal defects (ASD) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

Methods and results

Hemodynamic and clinical data of all patients with PAH-CHD in the TOPP cohort were reviewed. Patients were classified according to predefined ABCDE categories (A: Eisenmenger syndrome, B: left-to-right shunt, C: coincidental defects, including all ASDs, D: corrected CHD, E: TGA), or as complex CHD (group 5), by 2 independent investigators. In case of disagreement, a third reviewer could either settle a final decision, or the patient was deemed not classifiable. Survival curves were calculated for each group and compared to idiopathic PAH patients of the registry. A total of 223 out of 531 patients in the registry had PAH-CHD, and 193 were categorized to the following groups: A 39(20%), B 27(14%), C 62(32%) including 43 ASDs, D 58(30%), E 7(4%), whereas 6 patients were categorized as group 5, and 10 patients were unable to be classified. No survival difference could be demonstrated between the groups.

Conclusions

This modified classification seems to be more applicable to pediatric PAH-CHD patients than the previous classification, but some patients with PAH-CHD who never had a shunt remain unclassifiable. The role of ASD in pediatric PH should be reconsidered.

Current Management and Future Directions for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease

Current management of patients with congenital heart disease has increased their survival into adulthood. This is accompanied by potential cardiac complications, including pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD). PAH-CHD constitutes a challenging subgroup of pulmonary hypertension and requires expert management to improve quality of life and prognosis. Novel agents have shown a significant improvement in morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the long-term effects of these medications on PAH-CHD patients remain somewhat uncertain, necessitating treatment plans largely founded on the clinical experience of the healthcare providers. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence and future perspectives regarding treatment strategies for PAH-CHD to help better guide management of this complex disease.

Efficacy and safety of macitentan for pulmonary hypertension: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Our purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect and safety of macitentan in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

METHODS

We retrieved the safety and efficacy of macitentan treatment for PH using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE databases and clinicaltrials.gov. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used for literature screening and quality assessment. Data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata/SE 15.1 software. Results are presented as standardization mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies and four non-RCT studies with 2769 patients was included, involving 723 in the macitentan group and 599 in the placebo group. The results of the study showed that macitentan had effectively decreased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (SMD = -0.53, 95% CI: -0.77--0.29, p < 0.05), cardiac index (CI) (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37-0.83, p < 0.05) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.40--0.03, p < 0.05). Furthermore, macitentan also significantly reduced PVR (SMD = -0.58, 95% CI: -0.80--0.35, p < 0.05), 6-min walk distance (6WMD) (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.50, p < 0.05), CI (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.69, p < 0.05), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (SMD = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.64--0.23, p < 0.05) and NT-proBNP (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI: -1.07--0.03, p < 0.05) between baseline and follow-up. The adverse reactions to macitentan were mild, with headache, anaemia and bronchitis. Other efficacy and safety outcomes did not reach statistical differences.

CONCLUSION

Macitentan therapy for PH is effective and safe. The effectiveness on PVR, mPAP, mean right atrial pressure (mRAP), mortality and other indicators still needs to be further confirmed.

Long-term safety of macitentan in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Macitentan has demonstrated its effectiveness in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), but its safety, especially for long-term use, needs to be further explored. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the safety of long-term use of macitentan in patients with PH.

METHODS

A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of PH with macitentan, compared with placebo, were reviewed. Estimated effects of included studies were pooled as risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Six RCTs (enrolling 1003 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Anaemia (RR 3.86, 95% CI 2.05-7.30), headache (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02-2.26) and bronchitis (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.30-3.87) were more frequent in the macitentan groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event (AE) or serious adverse event (SAE), AEs leading to discontinuation of study treatment, all-cause death, right ventricular failure (RVF) and peripheral oedema between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term use of macitentan is safe for patients with PH, although with a higher risk of anaemia, headache and bronchitis.

Pulmonary vasodilator therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with CHD: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

The optimal treatment strategy using pulmonary vasodilators in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with CHD (PAH-CHD) remains controversial. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vasodilators in PAH-CHD. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched through May 2022 and a network meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcomes were mean difference of changes in 6-minute walk distance, NYHA functional class, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. The secondary outcomes included pulmonary vascular resistance, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and resting oxygen saturation. We identified 14 studies, yielding 807 patients with PAH-CHD. Bosentan and sildenafil were associated with a significant increase in 6-minute walk distance from baseline compared with placebo (MD 48.92 m, 95% CI 0.32 to 97.55 and MD 59.70 m, 95% CI 0.88 to 118.53, respectively). Bosentan, sildenafil, and combination of bosentan and sildenafil were associated with significant improvement in NYHA functional class compared with placebo (MD -0.33, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.14, MD -0.58, 95% CI -0.75 to -0.22 and MD -0.62, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.31, respectively). Bosentan and sildenafil were also associated with significant improvements in secondary outcomes. These findings were largely confirmed in the subgroup analysis. Various adverse events were reported; however, serious adverse event rates were relatively low (4.8-8.7%), including right heart failure, acute kidney injury, respiratory failure, hypotension, and discontinuation of pulmonary vasodilators. In conclusion, bosentan and sildenafil were the most effective in improving prognostic risk factor such as 6-minute walk distance and NYHA class. Overall, pulmonary vasodilators were well tolerated in PAH-CHD.

Benefits of Macitentan in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of macitentan in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of PH with macitentan, compared with placebo or blank, were reviewed. Studies were pooled to weighted mean differences (WMDs) and risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Six RCTs (enrolling 1,003 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Macitentan showed significant effects on 6-min walk distance (6MWD) (WMD 12.06 m, 95% CI 2.12 to 21.99 m), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (WMD -186.51 dyn·s/cm-5, 95% CI -232.72 to -140.29 dyn·s/cm-5), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (WMD -3.20 mmHg, 95% CI -5.93 to -0.47 mmHg), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (WMD -232.47 ng/L, 95% wCI -318.22 to -146.72 ng/L), and cardiac index (WMD 0.39 L/min/m2, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.58 L/min/m2).

Conclusion

Macitentan significantly improved 6MWD, PVR, mPAP, NT-proBNP, and cardiac index in patients with PH. Macitentan should be further validated in patients with PH.

Macitentan in the Young-Mid-term Outcomes of Patients with Pulmonary Hypertensive Vascular Disease treated in a Pediatric Tertiary Care Center

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe hemodynamic condition with high morbidity and mortality. Approved targeted therapies are limited for pediatric subjects, and treatments are widely adopted from adult algorithms. Macitentan is a safe and effective drug used for adult PH, but data on pediatric patients are limited. In this prospective single-center study, we investigated mid- and long-term effects of macitentan in children with advanced pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients were enrolled in the study for treatment with macitentan. Efficacy was determined by echo parameters and brain natriuretic peptide levels (BNP) at 3 months and 1 year. For detailed analysis, the entire cohort was subgrouped into patients with congenital heart disease-related PH (CHD-PH) and non-CHD-PH patients, respectively.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 10.7 ± 7.6 years; median observation period was 36 months. Twenty of 24 patients were on additional sildenafil and/or prostacyclins. Two of 24 patients discontinued because of peripheral edema. Within the entire cohort, BNP levels and all echo measures such as right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVED), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), pulmonary velocity time integral (VTI), and pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) improved significantly after 3 months (p ≤ 0.01), whereas in the long term significant improvement persisted for BNP levels (-16%), VTI (+14%) and PAAT (+11%) (p < 0.05). By subgroup analysis, non-CHD PH patients showed significant improvements in BNP levels (-57%) and all echo measures (TAPSE +21%, VTI +13%, PAAT +37%, RVSP -24%, RVED -12%) at 3 months (p ≤ 0.01), whereas at 12 months, improvements persisted (p < 0.05) except for RVSP and RVED (nonsignificant). In CHD-PH patients, none of the measures changed (nonsignificant). 6-MWD (distance walked in 6 minutes) slightly increased but was not statistically evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Data presented herein account for the largest cohort of severely affected pediatric patients receiving macitentan. Overall, macitentan was safe and associated with significant beneficial effects and sustained positive signals after 1 year, albeit in the long term disease progression remains a major concern. Our data suggest limited efficacy in CHD-related PH, whereas favorable outcomes were mainly driven by improvements in patients with PH not related to CHD. Larger studies are needed to verify these preliminary results and to prove efficacy of this drug in different pediatric PH entities.

Cardiac Drugs in ACHD Cardiovascular Medicine

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is a growing population that requires life-long care due to advances in pediatric care and surgical or catheter procedures. Despite this, drug therapy in ACHD remains largely empiric due to the lack of clinical data, and formalized guidelines on drug therapy are currently lacking. The aging ACHD population has led to an increase in late cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. Pharmacotherapy, with few exceptions, in ACHD is largely supportive, whereas significant structural abnormalities usually require interventional, surgical, or percutaneous treatment. Recent advances in ACHD have prolonged survival for these patients, but further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment options for these patients. A better understanding of the use of cardiac drugs in ACHD patients could lead to improved treatment outcomes and a better quality of life for these patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of cardiac drugs in ACHD cardiovascular medicine, including the rationale, limited current evidence, and knowledge gaps in this growing area.

Cardiovascular Complications of Down Syndrome: Scoping Review and Expert Consensus

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with Down syndrome. Congenital heart disease is the most common cardiovascular condition in this group, present in up to 50% of people with Down syndrome and contributing to poor outcomes. Additional factors contributing to cardiovascular outcomes include pulmonary hypertension; coexistent pulmonary, endocrine, and metabolic diseases; and risk factors for atherosclerotic disease. Moreover, disparities in the cardiovascular care of people with Down syndrome compared with the general population, which vary across different geographies and health care systems, further contribute to cardiovascular mortality; this issue is often overlooked by the wider medical community. This review focuses on the diagnosis, prevalence, and management of cardiovascular disease encountered in people with Down syndrome and summarizes available evidence in 10 key areas relating to Down syndrome and cardiac disease, from prenatal diagnosis to disparities in care in areas of differing resource availability. All specialists and nonspecialist clinicians providing care for people with Down syndrome should be aware of best clinical practice in all aspects of care of this distinct population.

Detection and evaluation of myocardial fibrosis in Eisenmenger syndrome using cardiovascular magnetic resonance late gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping

BACKGROUND

Myocardial fibrosis is a common pathophysiological process involved in many cardiovascular diseases. However, limited prior studies suggested no association between focal myocardial fibrosis detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and disease severity in Eisenmenger syndrome (ES). This study aimed to explore potential associations between myocardial fibrosis evaluated by the CMR LGE and T1 mapping and risk stratification profiles including exercise tolerance, serum biomarkers, hemodynamics, and right ventricular (RV) function in these patients.

METHODS

Forty-five adults with ES and 30 healthy subjects were included. All subjects underwent a contrast-enhanced 3T CMR. Focal replacement fibrosis was visualized on LGE images. The locations of LGE were recorded. After excluding LGE in ventricular insertion point (VIP), ES patients were divided into myocardial LGE-positive (LGE+) and LGE-negative (LGE-) subgroups. Regions of interest in the septal myocardium were manually contoured in the T1 mapping images to determine the diffuse myocardial fibrosis. The relationships between myocardial fibrosis and 6-min walk test (6MWT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), hematocrit, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI), RV/left ventricular end-systolic volume (RV/LV ESV), RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and risk stratification were analyzed.

RESULTS

Myocardial LGE (excluding VIP) was common in ES (16/45, 35.6%), and often located in the septum (12/45, 26.7%). The clinical characteristics, hemodynamics, CMR morphology and function, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were similar in the LGE+ and LGE- groups (all P > 0.05). ECV was significantly higher in ES patients (28.6 ± 5.9% vs. 25.6 ± 2.2%, P < 0.05) and those with LGE- ES (28.3 ± 5.9% vs. 25.6 ± 2.2%, P < 0.05) than healthy controls. We found significant correlations between ECV and log NT-pro BNP, hematocrit, mPAP, PVRI, RV/LV ESV, and RVEF (all P < 0.05), and correlations trends between ECV and 6MWT (P = 0.06) in ES patients. An ECV threshold of 29.0% performed well in differentiating patients with high-risk ES from those with intermediate or low risk (area under curve 0.857, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial fibrosis is a common feature of ES. ECV may serve as an important imaging marker for ES disease severity.

Long-Term Safety, Tolerability and Survival in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Treated with Macitentan: Results from the SERAPHIN Open-Label Extension

Introduction

In SERAPHIN, a long-term, event-driven, double-blind randomised controlled trial in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), macitentan 10 mg significantly reduced the risk of morbidity/mortality compared with placebo. Its open-label extension study (SERAPHIN OL) further assessed long-term safety and tolerability of macitentan 10 mg in PAH patients.

Methods

Patients in SERAPHIN who completed the double-blind treatment period or experienced a morbidity event during the study could enter SERAPHIN OL. Patients received macitentan 10 mg once daily, and safety and survival were assessed until end of treatment (+ 28 days). Two overlapping sets were analysed for safety: (1) all patients in SERAPHIN OL (OL safety set); (2) patients randomised to macitentan 10 mg in SERAPHIN (long-term safety/survival set). Survival was evaluated as an exploratory endpoint in the latter set.

Results

Of 742 patients randomised in SERAPHIN, 550 (74.1%) entered SERAPHIN OL (OL safety set); 242 patients were randomised to macitentan 10 mg in SERAPHIN (long-term safety/survival set). Median (min, max) exposure to macitentan 10 mg was 40.1 (0.1, 130.5) months (2074.7 patient-years; OL safety set) and 54.7 (0.1, 141.3) months (1151.0 patient-years; long-term safety/survival set). Safety in both analysis sets was comparable to the known safety profile of macitentan. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates (95% CI) at 1, 5, 7 and 9 years were 95.0% (91.3, 97.1), 73.3% (66.6, 78.9), 62.6% (54.6, 69.6) and 52.7% (43.6, 61.0), respectively (long-term safety/survival set; median follow-up: 5.9 years).

Conclusions

This analysis provides the longest follow-up for safety and survival published to date for any PAH therapy. The safety profile of macitentan 10 mg over this extensive treatment period was in line with that observed in SERAPHIN. As the majority of patients were receiving other PAH therapy at macitentan initiation, our study provides additional insight into the long-term safety of macitentan, including as part of combination therapy.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00660179 and NCT00667823.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02199-x.

Targeted Therapies in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Due to Congenital Heart Disease

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating cardiovascular disease leading to right heart failure and death if untreated. Medical therapies for PAH have evolved substantially over the last decades and are associated with improvements in functional class, quality of life, and survival. PAH-targeted therapies now consist of multiple inhaled, oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous therapies targeting the phosphodiesterase, guanylate cyclase, endothelin and prostacyclin pathways. Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at high risk of developing PAH and growing evidence exists that PAH-targeted therapy can be beneficial in PAH-CHD. However, the PAH-CHD patient population is challenging to treat due to the heterogeneity and complexity of their cardiac lesions and associated comorbidities. Furthermore, most high-quality randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating the effects of PAH-targeted therapies only included a minority of PAH-CHD patients. Few randomized, controlled trials have investigated the effects of PAH-targeted therapy in pre-specified PAH-CHD populations. Consequently, the results of these clinical trials cannot be extrapolated broadly to the PAH-CHD population. This review summarizes the data from high-quality clinical PAH treatment trials with a specific focus on the PAH-CHD population.

Impact of COVID-19 disease on clinical research in pediatric and congenital cardiology

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 triggered an unprecedented crisis affecting society at every level. Research in pediatric and congenital cardiology is currently in full development and may have been disrupted. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric and congenital cardiology clinical research and to analyze decision-making and adaptation processes, from a panel of ongoing academic and industry-sponsored research at the time of the pandemic.

METHODS

This observational study was carried out in April 2020, from a CHD clinical research network involving five tertiary care pediatric and congenital cardiology centers. Investigators and clinical research assistants from each participating research center completed an online survey questionnaire, and each principal investigator underwent a 1-h web-based videoconference interview.

RESULTS

A total of 34 study questionnaires were collected, reporting that 18 studies were totally suspended. Upon the investigator's decision, after discussion on ethical issues and with facilitating support from health authorities, 16 studies were resumed. The rate of study suspension in interventional research (53%) was similar to that in non-interventional research (56%). Logistical problems were predominantly reported in both continued and suspended trials. Research protocols were adapted, largely thanks to telemedicine, which in some cases even improved the course of the study.

CONCLUSION

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical research in pediatric and congenital cardiology has been limited by a rapid adaptation of all research structures and an extensive use of telemedicine at all stages of the studies.

Endothelin and the Cardiovascular System: The Long Journey and Where We Are Going

Simple Summary

In this review, we describe the basic functions of endothelin and related molecules, including their receptors and enzymes. Furthermore, we discuss the important role of endothelin in several cardiovascular diseases, the relevant clinical evidence for targeting the endothelin pathway, and the scope of endothelin-targeting treatments in the future. We highlight the present uses of endothelin receptor antagonists and the advancements in the development of future treatment options, thereby providing an overview of endothelin research over the years and its future scope.

Abstract

Endothelin was first discovered more than 30 years ago as a potent vasoconstrictor. In subsequent years, three isoforms, two canonical receptors, and two converting enzymes were identified, and their basic functions were elucidated by numerous preclinical and clinical studies. Over the years, the endothelin system has been found to be critical in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on endothelin and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we discuss how endothelin-targeting therapies, such as endothelin receptor antagonists, have been employed to treat cardiovascular diseases with varying degrees of success. Lastly, we provide a glimpse of what could be in store for endothelin-targeting treatment options for cardiovascular diseases in the future.

Eisenmenger Syndrome: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Although major breakthroughs in the field of pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, intervention, and overall care improved the outlook of congenital heart disease, Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is still encountered and remains a complex clinical entity with multisystem involvement, including secondary erythrocytosis, increased thrombotic and bleeding diathesis, high arrhythmogenic risk, progressive heart failure, and premature death. Clearly, care for ES is best delivered in multidisciplinary expert centers. In this review, we discuss the considerable recent progress in understanding the complex pathophysiology of ES, means of prognostication, and improvement in clinical outcomes achieved with pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapies. Additionally, we delineate areas of uncertainty in various aspects of care, discuss gaps in current evidence, and review current status in less privileged countries and propose initiatives to reduce disease burden. Finally, we propose the application of emerging technologies to enhance the delivery and quality of health care related to ES and beyond.

The Transition From Ambrisentan to Macitentan in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Real-word Prospective Study

Background: In a long-term event-driven trial, macitentan has demonstrated beneficial time to clinical worsening in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and reduced PAH-related hospitalization rates compared with placebo. Macitentan is the most recently approved endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and is the first ERA that has shown efficacy for morbidity and mortality in PAH patients; therefore, patients and physicians may consider converting treatment from ambrisentan to macitentan. Our study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and quality of life in PAH patients transitioning from ambrisentan to macitentan. Methods: This was a real-world, prospective study with a 12-month follow-up. PAH patients who had received stable doses of ambrisentan for over 3 months, were within the World Health Organization Functional Class II/III, and 6-min walk distance ≥ of 250 m were enrolled. The study included a screening period, followed by a transition phase, after which patients entered the long-term follow-up. Clinical data and treatment satisfaction outcomes were collected to assess and monitor the safety and efficacy of the transition. The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn; No. ChiCTR2000034898). Results: One hundred and fifty-seven enrolled PAH patients completed the transition. All criteria for continuous treatment transition were met by 145 patients (92.4%). Results showed improvements in exercise capacity, cardiac function, and hemodynamics compared with baseline. During the process, 4 patients discontinued macitentan due to adverse events. There was no statistical difference in the overall incidence of adverse events before and after the transition. Conclusion: Transition to macitentan from ambrisentan was successful and well-tolerated by PAH patients, and was associated with greater efficacy and satisfaction.

The Transition From Ambrisentan to Macitentan in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Real-word Prospective Study

Background: In a long-term event-driven trial, macitentan has demonstrated beneficial time to clinical worsening in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and reduced PAH-related hospitalization rates compared with placebo. Macitentan is the most recently approved endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and is the first ERA that has shown efficacy for morbidity and mortality in PAH patients; therefore, patients and physicians may consider converting treatment from ambrisentan to macitentan. Our study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and quality of life in PAH patients transitioning from ambrisentan to macitentan.

Methods: This was a real-world, prospective study with a 12-month follow-up. PAH patients who had received stable doses of ambrisentan for over 3 months, were within the World Health Organization Functional Class II/III, and 6-min walk distance ≥ of 250 m were enrolled. The study included a screening period, followed by a transition phase, after which patients entered the long-term follow-up. Clinical data and treatment satisfaction outcomes were collected to assess and monitor the safety and efficacy of the transition. The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn; No. ChiCTR2000034898).

Results: One hundred and fifty-seven enrolled PAH patients completed the transition. All criteria for continuous treatment transition were met by 145 patients (92.4%). Results showed improvements in exercise capacity, cardiac function, and hemodynamics compared with baseline. During the process, 4 patients discontinued macitentan due to adverse events. There was no statistical difference in the overall incidence of adverse events before and after the transition.

Conclusion: Transition to macitentan from ambrisentan was successful and well-tolerated by PAH patients, and was associated with greater efficacy and satisfaction.

Extremely premature infants born at 23-25 weeks gestation are at substantial risk for pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) represent an especially vulnerable population. Herein, we aimed to determine incidence and severity of pulmonary hypertension associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD-PH) in extremely immature ELGANs (gestational age: 23^0/6-25^6/7 weeks).

METHODS

In this prospective observational cohort study, we assessed BPD-PH by means of several echocardiography markers and serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at 3 and 12 months of chronological age. In addition, we analyzed incidence and efficacy of pharmacologic treatment for BPD-PH.

RESULTS

At 3 months 15/34 ELGANs had echocardiographic evidence of BPD-PH, while at 12 months of age 6/34 still had PH. PH-targeted therapy consisted of sildenafil monotherapy in 11 and dual oral combination therapy (sildenafil and macitentan) in four ELGANs at 3 and 12 months.

CONCLUSION

44% (15/34) of ELGANs developed BPD-PH. All received PH-targeted pharmacotherapy at 3 months, leading to hemodynamic improvements at 12 months in most infants.

The use of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies in Eisenmenger syndrome

INTRODUCTION

For many years, treatment options for patients with Eisenmenger physiology had been restricted to conservative measures to alleviate multi-system complications. The use of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-targeted therapies in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) changed the course of the disease, since they substantially improved clinical outcomes and increased survival.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we primarily focus on the use of PAH pharmacotherapies in ES. A literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Database up to May 2021. We thoroughly discuss current evidence about mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy of these agents and present challenges and gaps in literature regarding the recommended treatment approach.

EXPERT OPINION

Unlike other forms of PAH, we usually treat patients with ES more conservatively as we lack evidence that aggressive management is safe and effective in this complex population. Several issues on the time of initiation of PAH-targeted therapies, choice between monotherapy vs. upfront combination therapy, and time of escalation still remain challenging and require further investigation. Therapeutic management should be guided by patients' individual evaluation based on available prognostic markers. More well-designed trials are warranted to assess the benefits of new PAH-targeted agents and combination therapies.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Pulmonary arterial hypertension related to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) affects 5% to 10% of adults with CHD and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. PAH-CHD develops as a consequence of intracardiac or extracardiac systemic-to-pulmonary shunts that lead to pulmonary vascular remodeling through a pathologic process that is similar to other causes of PAH. Eisenmenger syndrome is the most severe phenotype of PAH-CHD and is characterized by severe elevation in pulmonary vascular resistance, with shunt reversal causing hypoxemia and central cyanosis. The primary management strategy for most patients with PAH-CHD is medical therapy, although defect closure is considered in select cases.

Increased Pulmonary Arterial Compliance after Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty Predicts Exercise Tolerance Improvement in Inoperable CTEPH Patients with Lower Pulmonary Arterial Pressure

BACKGROUND

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improved pulmonary arterial compliance (C_PA) and exercise tolerance in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether C_PA is a useful index to indicate exercise tolerance improvement by BPA in CTEPH patients.

METHODS

The correlation between changes in C_PA and improvements in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) by BPA was retrospectively analyzed in 70 patients (Analysis 1), and it was sequentially analyzed in 46 symptomatic patients who achieved mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP)<30mmHg (Analysis 2).

RESULTS

We enrolled 70 patients (female/male:57/13, mean age:59 years) who underwent a total of 352 BPA sessions which significantly increased C_PA (1.5±0.8 vs. 3.0±1.0 mL/mmHg) and decreased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (8.0 ± 3.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.7 wood units). The correlation coefficient between improvement in 6MWD and changes in PVR and C_PA were r=0.21 (p=0.09) and r=0.14 (p=0.26) (Analysis 1). In Analysis 2, those were r=0.32 (p=0.06) and r=0.38 (p=0.02), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

C_PA can be a useful index to indicate the improvement in exercise tolerance by BPA in symptomatic patients with lower mPAP.

Pulmonary hypertension in adults with congenital heart disease. Clinical phenotypes and outcomes in the advanced pulmonary vasodilator era

BACKGROUND

Mortality of pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) in adults remains high.

OBJECTIVES

To identify predictors of death and to assess the impact of treatment on outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicenter cohort study of 103 adults with PAH-CHD followed-up for 8.6 ± 4.6 years. Patients were grouped according to underlying shunt type into pre-tricuspid, post-tricuspid and complex. Survival rates were analyzed and predictors of death were investigated with Cox regression models.

RESULTS

In the post-tricuspid and complex groups (38 and 37 patients, respectively), the most common clinical PAH-CHD subgroup was Eisenmenger syndrome (76.3% and 59.5%, respectively) whereas, in the pre-tricuspid group (28 patients), 46.5% of patients had small or corrected defects. Overall, 88 patients received vasodilators; 39% required combination-therapy. Overall survival at 10 years was 65%. Mortality was highest in the pre-tricuspid group, FC-III-IV and amongst patients receiving monotherapy (p < 0.050). On multivariate analysis, predictors of poor outcome were pericardial effusion (HR: 4,520 [1,470-13,890]; p = 0,008), oxygen saturation(HR: 0.940 [0,900 - 0,990]; p = 0,018) and genetic syndromes(HR: 3,280 [1,098-9,780]; p = 0,033).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in advanced stages at initiation of treatment were at high risk of death and strong consideration should be given for more aggressive therapy.

Treatment of adults with Eisenmenger syndrome-state of the art in the 21st century: a short overview

Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) develops in association with unrepaired, non-restrictive cardiac shunt lesions at the atrial, ventricular or arterial level over time. In developed countries, cardiac defects are being operated on in a timely manner, before pulmonary vascular disease develops. However, with rising immigration from underserved countries, we increasingly see patients with shunt lesions, that are not amenable for repair as pulmonary vascular disease has already established. ES describes a symptom complex and patients present with heterogeneous problems involving many organ systems (multisystem disorder). Care in tertiary specialist cardiac centers with access to multidisciplinary subspecialities is required. Central cyanosis with secondary erythrocytosis is one of the key features of patients with ES. Clinical consequences of longstanding hypoxia can lead to other organ complications, that involve other organs than the heart alone. Although ES patients have a better prognosis compared to other patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, ES grossly affects quality of life and morbidity is frequent. Follow-up and care at specialist congenital heart disease centers is highly recommended to prevent, to early diagnose and to timely manage complications of ES. This is necessary to maintain functional capacity, decrease morbidity and increase life expectancy for these vulnerable patients. The leading reasons for mortality are sudden cardiac death, progressive heart failure, and infectious diseases. Various factors have been shown to be associated with mortality like decreased arterial oxygen saturation, functional class, impaired exercise tolerance, syncopal events, iron deficiency, presence of pre-tricuspid shunts, arrhythmias, increased (NT-pro) brain natriuretic peptide, echocardiographic variables of right ventricular dysfunction and hospitalization for heart failure. Although to date there is no causal therapy to reverse pulmonary vascular disease, a greater armamentarium of targeted therapies is available, which have been shown to be beneficial in patients with ES.

Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in children

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating illness causing already significant morbidity in childhood. Currently approved treatment options for children comprise the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan, as well as the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil. But PAH treatment has advanced significantly over the past decade, and new classes of targeted drug therapies, such as stimulators of the soluble guanylate cyclase (riociguat) or prostacyclin receptor agonists (selexipag), are currently evaluated regarding their efficacy and safety in children, in order to limit off-label use. Due to the different etiologies in children, such as PAH-CHD, there is no evidence that initial combination therapy in children is superior to a mono-therapy with respect to survival. Special attention should also be paid to the pharmacology of PAH drugs in children, which might be impacted by ontogeny or drug-drug-interactions. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be useful in pediatric patients. There is a clear need for more controlled studies of PAH medications, alone or in combination therapy in the pediatric age group. Data from clinical trials as well as from patient registries should be pooled to optimize drug development and evaluation, trial design, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy in pediatric patients with PAH. In this review, the current treatment options of pediatric PAH are summarized, and an overview of new treatment concepts, which are already evaluated in adults, is presented.

Evidence base for specific pulmonary vasodilators in adults with congenital heart disease

After reviewing the current definitions and classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with congenital heart disease (CHD), based on an analysis of 59 clinical trials (of which 14 are randomized controlled trials) drugs registered in the Russian Federation, the evidence base for PH therapy in adults with CHD is provided. The presence of a randomized controlled trial of bosentan BREATHE-5 and uncontrolled trials of other drugs became the basis for a higher class and level of evidence of bosentan (IB) compared to other drugs (IIaC) for Eisenmenger syndrome in the current European (ERS/ESC 2015) and updated Russian (2020) guidelines. According to the updated European (ESC 2020) guidelines for congenital heart disease in adults, in Eisenmenger patients with reduced exercise capacity (6MWT distance 450 m), a treatment strategy with initial endothelin receptor antagonist monotherapy should be considered followed by combination therapy if patients fail to improve (IIaB), in low- and intermediate-risk patients with repaired simple lesions and pre-capillary PH, initial oral combination therapy or sequential combination therapy is recommended and high-risk patients should be treated with initial combination therapy including parenteral prostanoids (IA) and endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors may be considered in selected patients with elevated pulmonary pressure/resistance in the absence of elevated ventricular end diastolic pressure (IIbC). Only three (bosentan, macitentan and selexipag) out of seven specific pulmonary vasodilators registered in the Russian Federation have indications for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease and Eisenmenger syndrome or pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with corrected simple congenital heart disease in the instructions for use.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults with congenital heart disease: markers of disease severity, management of advanced heart failure and transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) is a progressive, life-limiting disease.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper, we review the classification and pathophysiology of PAH-CHD, including the mechanisms of disease progression and multisystem effects of disease. We evaluate current strategies of risk stratification and the use of biological markers of disease severity, and review principles of management of PAH-CHD. The indications, timing, and the content of advanced heart failure assessment and transplant listing are discussed, along with a review of the types of transplant and other forms of available circulatory support in this group of patients. Finally, the integral role of advance care planning and palliative care is discussed.

EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY

All patients with PAH-CHD should be followed up in expert centers, where they can receive appropriate risk assessment, PAH therapy, and supportive care. Referral for transplant assessment should be considered if there continue to be clinical high-risk features, persistent symptoms, or acute heart failure decompensation despite appropriate PAH specific therapy. Expert management of PAH-CHD patients, therefore, requires vigilance for these features, along with a close relationship with local advanced heart failure services and a working knowledge of listing criteria, which may disadvantage congenital heart disease patients.

Diverse Right Ventricular Remodeling Evaluated by MRI and Prognosis in Eisenmenger Syndrome With Different Shunt Locations

BACKGROUND

Congenital shunt location is related to Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) survival. Moreover, right ventricular (RV) remodeling is associated with poor survival in pulmonary hypertension.

PURPOSE

To investigate RV remodeling using comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and identify its relationship with prognosis in ES subgroups classified by shunt location.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective observational study.

POPULATION

Fifty-four adults with ES (16 with pre-tricuspid shunt and 38 with post-tricuspid shunt).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0 T/cine MRI with balanced steady-state free precession sequence, late gadolinium enhancement with inversion recovery segmented gradient echo sequence and phase-sensitive reconstruction, and T1 mapping with modified Look-Locker inversion recovery sequence.

ASSESSMENT

Demographics, clinical characteristics, hemodynamics, RV remodeling features (morphology, systolic function, RV-pulmonary artery (PA) coupling and myocardial fibrosis), and prognosis were compared between ES subgroups. The adverse endpoint was all-cause mortality or readmission for heart failure.

STATISTICAL TESTS

The independent samples t-test, Fisher's exact test or Chi-squared test, and the Kaplan-Meier method were used. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Compared to patients with post-tricuspid shunt, patients with pre-tricuspid shunt were significantly older and had higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations and poorer exercise tolerance. Pre-tricuspid shunt showed significantly larger RV dimensions (end-diastolic volume index: 185.81 ± 37.49 vs. 98.20 ± 36.26 mL/m² ), worse RV ejection fraction (23.54% ± 12.35% vs. 40.82% ± 10.77%), and RV-PA decoupling (0.35 ± 0.31 vs. 0.72 ± 0.29). Biventricular myocardial fibrosis was significantly more severe in pre-tricuspid shunt than post-tricuspid shunt (extracellular volume, left ventricle: 35.85% ± 2.58% vs. 29.10% ± 5.20%; RV free wall: 30.93% ± 5.65% vs. 26.75% ± 5.15%). In addition, pre-tricuspid shunt demonstrated a significantly increased risk of adverse endpoint (hazard ratio: 2.938, 95% confidence interval: 1.204-7.172).

DATA CONCLUSION

ES with pre-tricuspid shunt might be a unique subtype with worse clinically decompensated RV remodeling and poor prognosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Technical Efficacy Stage: 5.

Efficacy and safety of novel-targeted drugs in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and fatal clinical syndrome characterized by high blood pressure and vascular remodeling in the pulmonary arterioles, which is also a rapidly progressing disease of the lung vasculature with a poor prognosis. Although PAH medication made great advances in recent years, the efficacy and safety of the medication are unsatisfactory. Therefore, we aimed to update and expand previous studies to explore the efficacy and safety of PAH-targeted medications. Methods: Relevant articles were searched and selected from published or publicly available data in PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE (from inception until October 1^st, 2020). To assess the efficacy and safety of PAH therapies, five efficacy outcomes [6-minute walking distance (6MWD), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), WHO functional class (WHO FC) improvement, clinical worsening, death] and two safety outcomes [adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs)] were selected. And 6MWD was regarded as the primary efficacy outcome.

Results: 50 trials included with 10 996participants were selected. In terms of efficacy, all targeted drugs were more effective than placebo. For 6MWD, Bosentan + Sildenafil, Sildenafil, Bosentan + Iloprost were better than others. Bosentan + Iloprost and Bosentan + Sildenafil were better for mPAP. Bosentan + Iloprost and Ambrisentan + Tadalafil were more effective in improving WHO FC. Bosentan + Tadalafil and Bosentan + Iloprost had the Ambrisentan probability to reduce the incidence of clinical worsening. It is demonstrated that Ambrisentan had clear benefits in reducing all-cause mortality. In terms of safety, no therapies had been shown to reduce the incidence of SAEs significantly, and Ambrisentan + Tadalafil significantly increased the incidence of AEs.

Conclusions: Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) + Endothelin Receptor Antagonists (ERA) seems to be better therapy for PAH. Prostacyclin analogs (ProsA) + ERA appear promising, though additional data is warranted.

Registration PROSPERO CRD42020218818.

Preventing disease progression in Eisenmenger syndrome

Introduction: Eisenmenger syndrome describes a condition in which a congenital heart defect has caused severe pulmonary vascular disease, resulting in reversed (right-left) or bidirectional shunting and chronic cyanosis.Areas covered: In this paper, the progression of congenital heart defects to Eisenmenger syndrome, including early screening, diagnosis and operability are covered. The mechanisms of disease progression in Eisenmenger syndrome and management strategies to combat this, including the role of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies, are also discussed.Expert opinion/commentary: Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of developing pulmonary arterial hypertension with Eisenmenger syndrome being its extreme manifestation. All CHD patients should be regularly assessed for pulmonary hypertension. Once Eisenmenger syndrome develops, shunt closure should be avoided. The clinical manifestations of Eisenmenger syndrome are driven by the systemic effects of the pulmonary hypertension, congenital defect and long-standing cyanosis. Expert care is essential for avoiding pitfalls and preventing disease progression in this severe chronic condition, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies have been used alongside supportive care to improve the quality of life, exercise tolerance and the outcome of these patients, although the optimal timing for their introduction and escalation remains uncertain.

Lifespan Perspective on Congenital Heart Disease Research: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

More than 90% of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are nowadays surviving to adulthood and adults account for over two-thirds of the contemporary CHD population in Western countries. Although outcomes are improved, surgery does not cure CHD. Decades of longitudinal observational data are currently motivating a paradigm shift toward a lifespan perspective and proactive approach to CHD care. The aim of this review is to operationalize these emerging concepts by presenting new constructs in CHD research. These concepts include long-term trajectories and a life course epidemiology framework. Focusing on a precision health, we propose to integrate our current knowledge on the genome, phenome, and environome across the CHD lifespan. We also summarize the potential of technology, especially machine learning, to facilitate longitudinal research by embracing big data and multicenter lifelong data collection.

Efficacy and safety of pulmonary vasodilators in the patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Few meta-analyses evaluated the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vasodilators in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome. Recently, some studies have reported conflicting results regarding improvements in exercise capacity. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vasodilators in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome. Relevant studies were identified by searching major databases. Pooled outcomes were used to assess the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vasodilators. In total, five studies with 508 patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that the pulmonary vasodilators reduced the mortality (odd risk (OR) = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.95; P = 0.04), slashed the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mean difference (MD) = -4.35 mmHg; 95% CI, -7.19 to -1.50; P = 0.003), decreased pulmonary vascular resistance index (MD = -480.08 dyn · s · cm-5 · m2; 95% CI, -753.51 to -206.64; P = 0.0006), increased the 6-min walk distance (MD = 28.38 m; 95% CI, 2.99 to 53.77; P = 0.03), and elevated the systemic oxygen saturation at rest (MD = 1.00%; 95% CI, 0.12 to 1.88; P = 0.03). Four studies reported side effects, but only two studies reported serious adverse effects which were mostly rare and curable. The present meta-analysis indicated that pulmonary vasodilators decrease mortality and improve hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome. Overall, pulmonary vasodilators are well tolerated.

Endothelin receptor antagonists for pulmonary arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a devastating disease that leads to right heart failure and premature death. Endothelin receptor antagonists have shown efficacy in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and the reference sections of retrieved articles. The searches are current as of 4 November 2020.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised trials and quasi-randomised trials involving participants with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two of five review authors selected studies, extracted data and assessed study quality according to established criteria. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were exercise capacity (six-minute walk distance, 6MWD), World Health Organization (WHO) or New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, Borg dyspnoea scores and dyspnoea-fatigue ratings, and mortality.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 17 randomised controlled trials involving a total of 3322 participants. Most trials were of relatively short duration (12 weeks to six months). Sixteen trials were placebo-controlled, and of these nine investigated a non-selective ERA and seven a selective ERA.   We evaluated two comparisons in the review: ERA versus placebo and ERA versus phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. The abstract focuses on the placebo-controlled trials only and presents the pooled results of selective and non-selective ERAs. After treatment, participants receiving ERAs could probably walk on average 25.06 m (95% confidence interval (CI) 17.13 to 32.99 m; 2739 participants; 14 studies; I² = 34%, moderate-certainty evidence) further than those receiving placebo in a 6MWD. Endothelin receptor antagonists probably improved more participants' WHO functional class (odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.70; participants = 3060; studies = 15; I² = 5%, moderate-certainty evidence) and probably lowered the odds of functional class deterioration (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.72; participants = 2347; studies = 13; I² = 40%, moderate-certainty evidence) compared with placebo. There may be a reduction in mortality with ERAs (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.58, 1.07; 2889 participants; 12 studies; I² = 0%, low-certainty evidence), and pooled data suggest that ERAs probably improve cardiopulmonary haemodynamics and may reduce Borg dyspnoea score in symptomatic patients. Hepatic toxicity was not common, but may be increased by ERA treatment from 37 to 67 (95% CI 34 to 130) per 1000 over 25 weeks of treatment (OR 1.88, 95% CI 0.91 to 3.90; moderate-certainty evidence). Although ERAs were well tolerated in this population, several cases of irreversible liver failure caused by sitaxsentan have been reported, which led the licence holder for sitaxsentan to withdraw the product from all markets worldwide.  As planned, we performed subgroup analyses comparing selective and non-selective ERAs, and with the exception of mean pulmonary artery pressure, did not detect any clear subgroup differences for any outcome.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

For people with pulmonary arterial hypertension with WHO functional class II and III, endothelin receptor antagonists probably increase exercise capacity, improve WHO functional class, prevent WHO functional class deterioration, result in favourable changes in cardiopulmonary haemodynamic variables compared with placebo. However, they are less effective in reducing dyspnoea and mortality. The efficacy data were strongest in those with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. The irreversible liver failure caused by sitaxsentan and its withdrawal from global markets emphasise the importance of hepatic monitoring in people treated with ERAs. The question of the effects of ERAs on pulmonary arterial hypertension has now likely been answered.. The combined use of ERAs and phosphodiesterase inhibitors may provide more benefit in pulmonary arterial hypertension; however, this needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Improved low-risk criteria scores for combination therapy of sildenafil and generic bosentan in patients with congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary hypertension: A prospective open label study

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the bosentan as a sequential add-on therapy with sildenafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) patients.

Material and method

Twenty patients who were receiving sildenafil were given generic bosentan for up to a year. Hemodynamic data was collected from cardiac catheterization at pretreatment and at three months. Comparisons were made between the total scores of the four, low-risk criteria adapted from the 2015 ESC/ERS pulmonary hypertension guidelines, which are: 1) WHO functional class of I or II, 2) 6MWD of more than 440 m, 3) right atrial pressure of less than 8 mm Hg, and 4) cardiac index ≥2.5 L/min/m², performed at the beginning of therapy, 3-months, 6-months, and 1 year.

Results

Patients’ average age was 27 ± 11 years old (12–53). PVRi decreased from 16.7 ± 9.5 to 12.7 ± 10.3 Wood unit (WU) m2 (p = 0.025) and PVRi/SVRi decreased from 0.69 ± 0.33 to 0.49 ± 0.32 (p = 0.001). During the follow-up, the composite scoring of the low risk scores for 19 patients was increased significantly from 1.8 ± 1.0 at baseline to 2.3 ± 0.9 at 3 months, to 2.9 ± 0.8 at 6 months, and 3 ± 0.7 at 1 year (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

We demonstrated intermediate term benefits for generic bosentan as an add-on therapy to sildenafil in patients with PAH-CHD by improving PVRi, and PVRi/SVRi at three months. A significant improvement was also seen in the combined scores of the low-risk criteria from below 2 to 3 at one year (p = 0.001).

Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR): TCTR identification number is TCTR20200506006.

Congenital Heart Disease-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

Presently, with increasing survival of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with CHD is commonly encountered in children and adults. This increased prevalence is seen despite significant advances in early diagnosis and surgical correction of patients with structural CHD. PAH is the cause of significant morbidity and mortality in these patients and comes in many forms. With the increased availability of targeted therapies for PAH, there is hope for improved hemodynamics, exercise capacity, quality of life, and possibly survival for these patients. There may also be opportunities for combined medical and interventional/surgical approaches for some.

Macitentan in infants and children with pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease. Feasibility, tolerability and practical issues - a single-centre experience

Macitentan is a safe and effective substance for treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Data on its use in paediatric patients are limited. In this single-centre prospective study, we report on our experience with macitentan in children focusing on applicability and practical aspects. Between December 2014 and July 2018, macitentan was introduced to paediatric patients according to a dosing protocol adjusted to body weight. Blood pressure, heart rate, saturation and clinical symptoms were recorded daily during introduction. Liver function parameters and haemoglobin levels were measured at baseline, four weeks and three months after initiation and after one year of treatment. Twenty-four patients (14 male, 10 female) were enrolled for treatment with macitentan. The mean age was 10.7 ± 7.6 years (range: 0.1 year-23 years). Fifteen out of 24 patients were World Health Organization functional class (FC) II, 7 patients in FC III and 2 patients in FC IV. Twenty out of 24 patients (83%) received additional advanced therapy with sildenafil and/or prostacyclines. We had two early discontinuations because of clinical relevant oedema. In the remaining 22 patients, macitentan was well tolerated. Liver function parameters and blood count levels remained stable during the observational time. The introduction of macitentan was feasible and mostly well tolerated in paediatric patients. Special attention should be paid to oedema during introduction of the drug. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on its applicability in infants and children. However, larger prospective trials are warranted to verify these preliminary findings.

Advanced therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension and congenital heart disease in people with Down syndrome

Background

Management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease and trisomy 21 is complex due to uncertainty over the best first-line agent to use for treatment, and the outcome measures for assessing response to therapy. There are also ethical issues around therapeutic decisions which may require ‘best interests’ meetings of carers and health care professionals.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 35-year-old man with Down syndrome, with un-operated atrioventricular septal defect, right ventricular hypertrophy and moderate left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. In the clinic he was visibly cyanosed with peripheral oxygen saturations of 78% at rest. He had very limited walk distance and was in WHO class III.

Conclusions

We discuss the decisions made around the best therapy for his Eisenmenger syndrome taking into account patient and family views on therapy and considering the psychosocial burden of treatment.

Advanced therapies in complex congenital heart disease

Background

Although there are some data on how to manage and treat patients with Eisenmenger syndrome due to simple cardiac defects, little evidence exists to guide best management of pulmonary vascular disease in cases with more complex anatomy such as common arterial supply to both the systemic and pulmonary circulations or univentricular physiology. Beyond the uncertainty on how to best assess and manage such patients, there are added concerns with regards to the potential effects of treatment on the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, valve regurgitation and excessive load to the ventricle with increased pulmonary blood flow.

Case presentation

We present a case of a patient with double inlet left ventricle and evidence of pulmonary hypertension and describe his outcome on the therapies prescribed.

Conclusions

We review the literature and describe our approach to the patient’s management in light of the available evidence and published literature.

Strategies for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with congenital heart disease

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is commonly seen in adults who have congenital heart disease (CHD). Therapy is available for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and has greatly benefitted many patients with PAH related to CHD (PAH-CHD) over the last 15 years, with evidence of improved quality of life and prognosis in those with Eisenmenger syndrome and repaired PAH-CHD.

In this review, we describe the standard management and advanced therapies for PAH, which are available in specialist PH centres around the UK and Ireland, and how these are used in PAH-CHD. Decisions around the choice of therapy are governed by commissioning and available evidence.

Conclusion

We explain the different pathways for action and the variety of medications now at our disposal to help this important group of patients.

Safety and efficacy of the endothelin receptor antagonist macitentan in pediatric pulmonary hypertension

Background

Macitentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), was approved in 2014 for the treatment of adults with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Once-per-day dosing and low potential hepatic toxicity make macitentan an appealing therapeutic option for children with PAH, but reports on its use in pediatric patients are still lacking.

Methods

Prospective observational study of 18 children [10 male; median age: 8.5, minimum (min.): 0.6, maximum (max.): 16.8 years] with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Four of these 18 patients were treatment-naïve and started on a de novo macitentan therapy. The remaining 14/18 children were already on a PH-targeted pharmacotherapy (sildenafil or bosentan as monotherapy or in combination). Nine children who were on bosentan were switched to macitentan. We analyzed the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), NYHA functional class (FC)/modified ROSS score, invasive hemodynamics, echocardiographic variables and the biomarker N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

Results

The median follow up was 6 months (min.: 0.5, max.: 30). Macitentan treatment was associated with improvement of invasive hemodynamics, e.g., the ratio of mean pulmonary arterial pressure/mean systemic arterial pressure decreased from a median of 62% (min.: 30%, max.: 87%) to 49% (min.: 30%, max.: 69%), P<0.05; pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRi) decreased from a median of 7.6 (min.: 3.3, max.: 11.5) to 4.8 Wood units × m² body surface area (min.: 2.5, max.: 10), P<0.05. The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) increased from a median of 1.4 (min.: 0.8, max.: 2.8) to 1.9 (min.: 0.8, max.: 2.7) cm, (P<0.05). NT-proBNP values decreased from a median of 272 (min.: 27, max.: 2,010) to 229 (min.: 23, max.: 814) pg/mL under macitentan therapy (P<0.05). The 6MWD and NYHA FC/modified ROSS score did not change significantly.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective study of macitentan pharmacotherapy in infants and children with PH <12 years of age. Except in one patient, macitentan treatment was well tolerated and was associated with improvements in invasive hemodynamics, longitudinal systolic RV function (TAPSE) and serum NT-proBNP values.

Evolving Paradigms in the Treatment of Atrial Septal Defects With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Atrial septal defects are one of the most frequently diagnosed congenital heart defects in adulthood. The presence of concurrent moderate or severe pulmonary arterial hypertension without Eisenmenger syndrome at the time of diagnosis can make for a challenging clinical scenario. There is continually evolving literature to determine the ideal approach to this subset of patients. Here we aim to review the clinical presentation, history, medical therapy, and closure options for atrial septal defects-pulmonary arterial hypertension with predominant left-to-right shunting, in the absence of Eisenmenger syndrome.