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Youssef D, Richards S, Lague S, Sheppard C, Smith J, Vorhies E, Hosking M, Pietrosanu M, Bates A. A Canadian, retrospective, multicenter experience with selexipag for a heterogeneous group of pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1055158. [PMID: 36925667 PMCID: PMC10011093 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1055158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Selexipag, an oral nonprostanoid prostaglandin receptor agonist, has led to reduced morbidity and mortality in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While the adult literature has been extrapolated to suggest selexipag as an oral treatment for severe pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH), longitudinal, multicenter data on the benefits of selexipag in this population are lacking. The purpose of this study is to present a longitudinal, multicentre experience with selexipag in a relatively large cohort of pediatric PH patients and add to the existing selexipag literature. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective, multicenter review describing the clinical outcomes of pediatric PH patients receiving selexipag in addition to standard oral pulmonary vasodilator therapy across three Canadian centers between January 2005 and June 2021. Results Twenty-four pediatric patients (fifteen female) with a mean age of 9.7 (range 2.0-15.5) years were included. Of this cohort, eighteen (75.0%) were in group 1, one (4.2%) was in group 2, four (16.7%) were in group 3, and one (4.2%) was in group 4. Twenty-two (91.7%) patients were on dual PH therapy after six months. Dosing was targeted to achieve 20-30 mcg/kg/dose orally every twelve hours. Median dose after twelve months was 30 mcg/kg/dose. Twelve months following selexipag initiation, median decreases of 0.2 cm in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, 3.5 mmHg in right-ventricular systolic pressure, and 6.1 mmHg in mean pulmonary arterial pressure were observed; none of these changes were statistically significant. Three patients died, one clinically deteriorated and required admission to a pediatric intensive care unit, ten had gastrointestinal symptoms, and three had flushing. Conclusion Selexipag appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for pediatric PH patients and has a tolerable adverse effect profile aside from gastrointestinal disturbances. Additional prospective studies of changes in hemodynamics and functional classification over a longer period and with a larger sample are needed. Future research should aim to identify subgroups that stand to benefit from the addition of selexipag as well as optimal timing and dosing for the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Youssef
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Susan Richards
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sabine Lague
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Sheppard
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jenna Smith
- Department of Pharmacy, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Erika Vorhies
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Martin Hosking
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthew Pietrosanu
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Angela Bates
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Epstein R, Krishnan US. Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in the Pediatric Patient. Cardiol Clin 2021; 40:115-127. [PMID: 34809912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disease with historically very high morbidity and mortality. In the past 20 years, there has been a growing recognition that pediatric PH, although having similarities to adult PH, is a unique entity with its own particular pathogeneses, presentation, and management. With better understanding and earlier diagnosis of pediatric PH, and as more medications have become available, survival of children with PH has also significantly improved. This article reviews the various forms of PH in childhood, with a focus on both established and investigational therapies that are available for children with PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Epstein
- Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, CHN 2N, #255, 3959 Broadway, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Usha S Krishnan
- Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, CHN 2N, #255, 3959 Broadway, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) causes high morbidity and mortality in children. In this review, we discuss advances in diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Proceedings published from the 2018 World Symposium updated the definition of pulmonary hypertension to include all adults and children with mean pulmonary artery pressure more than 20 mmHg. Targeted PAH therapy is increasingly used off-label, but in 2017, bosentan became the first Food and Drug Administration-targeted PAH therapy approved for use in children. SUMMARY In recent years, advanced imaging and clinical monitoring have allowed improved risk stratification of pulmonary hypertension patients. New therapies, approved in adults and used off-label in pediatric patients, have led to improved outcomes for affected children.
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Kam CW, Ruiz FE. Opportunities and challenges of pharmacotherapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension in children. Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:593-613. [PMID: 33002306 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease that carries a poor prognosis if left untreated. Although there are published guidelines for the treatment of children with pulmonary hypertension, due to the limited number of robust pediatric clinical trials, recommendations are often based on limited data or clinical experience. Furthermore, many practical aspects of care, particularly for the pediatric patient, are learned through experience and best navigated with a multidisciplinary team. While newer PAH therapies have been approved for adults, there is still limited but expanding experience in pediatrics. This new information will help improve the targets of goal-oriented therapy. Lastly, this review highlights practical aspects in the use of the different therapies available for the treatment of pediatric pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charissa W Kam
- Department of Pharmacy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fadel E Ruiz
- Department of Pulmonology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH), the syndrome of increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for affected children and is associated with a variety of potential underlying causes. Several pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapies have become available to reduce pulmonary artery pressure and improve outcome, but there is still no cure for most patients. This review provides a description of select causes of PH encountered in pediatrics and an update on the most recent data pertaining to evaluation and management of children with PH. Available evidence for specific classes of PH-targeted therapies in pediatrics is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Frank
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - D Dunbar Ivy
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Selexipag for the treatment of children with pulmonary arterial hypertension: First multicenter experience in drug safety and efficacy. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020; 39:695-706. [PMID: 32362477 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network (EPPVDN) investigated the safety and efficacy of add-on selexipag, an oral prostacyclin receptor agonist approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults, in the largest, exploratory pediatric cohort to date. METHODS This is a prospective observational study of 15 consecutive children with PAH, treated with oral add-on selexipag at 3 centers. Most patients underwent cardiac catheterizations at baseline and median of 8 months follow-up. All patients had clinical, echocardiographic, and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide studies, including the EPPVDN pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) risk score. RESULTS There was no death during the use of selexipag. Two of 15 patients ultimately underwent lung transplantation. One patient with heritable PAH died on intravenous treprostinil (off selexipag). The mean right atrial pressure, the ratio of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) to systemic arterial pressure (SAP) (mean PAP/mean SAP, diastolic PAP/diastolic SAP: -17%), and transpulmonary pressure gradients (TPG) (mean TPG: -17%; p < 0.01; diastolic TPG: -6 mm Hg; p < 0.05) were improved after the therapy (n = 10). Selexipag therapy was associated with a better right ventricular systolic function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: +14.5%; p < 0.01) and functional class. Improvement was seen in non-invasive and combined invasive/non-invasive PH risk scores (lower risk: +18%-22%, higher risk: -35%-37%; p < 0.05). Overall, the efficacy of selexipag was variable, often with a better response in less sick patients. CONCLUSIONS Oral selexipag use in children with PAH is well tolerated and safe when closely monitored. Add-on selexipag therapy improved several outcome-relevant variables in about 50% of patients and prevented disease progression in additional 27% of patients. The novel EPPVDN pediatric PH risk score indicated these drug effects properly, can be useful in clinical follow-up, and should be validated in larger prospective studies.
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Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease in infants and children that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The disease is characterized by progressive pulmonary vascular functional and structural changes resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance and eventual right heart failure and death. In many pediatric patients, PAH is idiopathic or associated with congenital heart disease and rarely is associated with other conditions such as connective tissue or thromboembolic disease. PAH associated with developmental lung diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia or congenital diaphragmatic hernia is increasingly more recognized in infants and children. Although treatment of the underlying disease and reversal of advanced structural changes have not yet been achieved with current therapy, quality of life and survival have improved significantly. Targeted pulmonary vasodilator therapies, including endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogs, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors have resulted in hemodynamic and functional improvement in children. The management of pediatric PAH remains challenging as treatment decisions depend largely on results from evidence-based adult studies and the clinical experience of pediatric experts. This article reviews the current drug therapies and their use in the management of PAH in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Avitabile
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erika E Vorhies
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada
| | - David Dunbar Ivy
- B100, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, 13123 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Use of Treprostinil in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: Case Reports and Review of the Literature. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2020; 76:23-31. [PMID: 32168152 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Add-on therapy with prostacyclin in pediatric refractory pulmonary hypertension (PH) poses a challenge, especially when considering continuous intravenous administration in younger children. A search for alternate routes of drug delivery has led to the clinical investigation of stable and long-acting prostacyclin analogues, such as subcutaneous treprostinil. We reported 2 pediatric cases of PH treated with subcutaneous treprostinil and reviewed the literature on treprostinil use in children. METHOD The literature review used 3 electronic databases and a combination of terms (treprostinil, pediatric, PH, prostanoid, etc). We also searched for pediatric clinical trials on treprostinil registered on international clinical trial registries. RESULTS The reported cases highlighted the multifactorial nature of PH in pediatrics: a female child with a giant omphalocele, and intracardiac and extracardiac shunts; and a male premature child with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia and long-term PH. The literature review identified 19 studies reporting treprostinil use in 421 children with various types of PH (groups 1 and 3). Subcutaneous treprostinil was the most administered formulation, at a mean dose of 40 ng/kg/min. Overall, 12 clinical trials on treprostinil for children with PH were registered on the clinical trial registries. Most authors concluded that subcutaneous treprostinil was effective, well tolerated, and represented an alternative to intravenous epoprostenol. CONCLUSIONS Subcutaneous treprostinil may be a useful adjunct in the therapeutic algorithm for children with severe PH, refractory to oral drugs, and after a complete check-up for all PH etiologies.
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