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Impact of rapid sequential combination therapy on distinct haemodynamic measures in newly diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension. ESC Heart Fail 2024; 11:1540-1552. [PMID: 38224960 PMCID: PMC11098663 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), upfront combination therapy with ERA and PDE5i is associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality events and improves standard haemodynamics, but data remain limited. Aims of this study were (i) to capture detailed haemodynamic effects of rapid sequential dual combination therapy in patients with newly diagnosed PAH; (ii) to monitor the impact of treatment initiation on clinical variables and patients' risk status, and (iii) to compare the treatment effect in patients with 'classical PAH' and 'PAH with co-morbidities'. METHODS Fifty patients (median age 57 [42-71] years, 66% female) with newly diagnosed PAH (76% idiopathic) were treated with a PD5i/sGC-S or ERA, followed by addition of the respective other drug class within 4 weeks. All patients underwent repeat right heart catheterization (RHC) during early follow-up. RESULTS At early repeat RHC (7 ± 2 months), there were substantial reductions in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP: 52.2 ± 13.5 to 39.0 ± 10.6 mmHg; -25.3%), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR: 12.1 ± 5.7 to 5.8 ± 3.1 WU; -52.1%), and an increase in cardiac index (2.1 ± 0.4 to 2.7 ± 0.7 mL/min/m2; +32.2%) (all P < 0.05). Haemodynamic improvements correlated with improved clinical parameters including 6-min walking distance (336 ± 315 to 389 ± 120 m), NTproBNP levels (1.712 ± 2.024 to 506 ± 550 ng/L, both P < 0.05) and WHO-FC at 12 months, resulting in improved risk status, and were found in patients with few (n = 37) or multiple cardiovascular co-morbidities (BMI > 30 kg/m2, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease [≥3]; n = 13), albeit baseline PVR in PAH patients with multiple co-morbidities was lower (9.3 ± 4.4 vs. 13.1 ± 5.9 WU) and PVR reduction less pronounced compared with those with few co-morbidities (-42.7% vs. -54.7%). However, comprehensive haemodynamic assessment considering further variables of prognostic relevance such as stroke volume index and pulmonary artery compliance showed similar improvements among the two groups (SVI: +50.0% vs. +49.2%; PAC: 91.7% vs. 100.0%). Finally, the 4-strata risk assessment approach was better able to capture treatment response as compared with other approaches, particularly in patients with co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS Rapid sequential combination therapy with PDE5i/sGC-S and ERA substantially ameliorates cardiopulmonary haemodynamics at early follow-up in patients without, and to a lesser extent, with cardiovascular co-morbidities. This occurs in line with improvements of clinical parameters and risk status.
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Constructing the Framework for Disease Modification in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:1189-1195. [PMID: 38471030 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202401-0089pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
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Counterpoint: Should the Use of Upfront Triple Combination Therapy Be Standard of Care in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension? No. Chest 2024; 165:494-496. [PMID: 38461012 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.07.4229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
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POINT: Should the Use of Upfront Triple Combination Therapy Be Standard of Care in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension? Yes. Chest 2024; 165:492-494. [PMID: 38461011 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
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Case report: Extracorporeal life support as a successful bridge to recovery in an incident case of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1283065. [PMID: 38379558 PMCID: PMC10876800 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1283065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) due to vascular remodeling of the small pulmonary arteries. In advanced RV failure or severe hypoxemia, extra corporeal life support (ECLS) is now to be considered, with the objective to bridge patients back to their baseline clinical state while waiting or right after lung transplantation, or bridge to pharmacological optimization of PAH (i.e., bridge to recovery). We describe herein a case of a 30-year-old woman (gravida 6, para 6) with an incident case of heritable PAH revealed by refractory hypoxemia. Despite the use of mechanical ventilation and fluid optimization, the patient remained profoundly hypoxemic. ECLS was then initiated to avoid tissue hypoxia. The mechanical option chosen was peripheral femoro-femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygen (VA-ECMO), percutaneously implanted. Due to the absence of evidence of chronic respiratory disease or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, this severe pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension was attributed to PAH. Therefore, epoprostenol infusion and an association of oral treatments (bosentan and tadalafil) were administered. A dramatic improvement was observed, allowing decannulation 7 days after the initiation of pharmacological treatment. After 29 days, the patient was discharged from the hospital with epoprostenol, bosentan, and tadalafil. The assessment has been completed by positive research on mutations (c.741C > G, p.Tyr247) corresponding to a loss of function of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) gene. The final diagnosis was heritable PAH. The use of ECLS has been well demonstrated in patients with PAH complicated by acute RV failure or refractory hypoxemia in the "bridge-to-transplantation" strategy. Only a few reports have described the use of ECLS as a "bridge-to-recovery" with PAH drugs in untreated or undertreated PAH patients, but none has described such a rapid improvement with resolution of refractory hypoxemia. More studies are needed to assess the benefits and limitations of the "bridge-to-recovery" strategy and to identify the patients most likely to benefit from it.
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Impact of different sequential triple oral combination therapies based selexipag on outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clin Cardiol 2024; 47:e24245. [PMID: 38402556 PMCID: PMC10894617 DOI: 10.1002/clc.24245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the GRIPHON study and others have confirmed the efficacy and safety of selexipag with single, dual, and initial triple combination therapy for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), multicenters studies concerning diverse triple oral combination therapies based on selexipag are limited. HYPOTHESIS This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various sequential triple oral combination therapies on PAH outcomes. METHODS A retrospective study was carried out involving 192 patients from 10 centers, who were receiving sequential triple oral combination therapy consisting of an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i)/riociguat and selexipag. Clinical parameters, event-free survival, and all-cause survival were assessed and analyzed at baseline and posttreatment. RESULTS Among the 192 patients, 37 were treated with ERA + riociguat + selexipag, and 155 patients received ERA + PDE5i + selexipag. Both sequential triple oral combination therapies improved the World Health Organization functional class and raised the count of low-risk parameters. As a result of the larger patients' population in the ERA + PDE5i + selexipag group, these individuals exhibited significant increases in 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricle, and eccentricity index, and significant decreases in N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide after 6 months of treatment. Nevertheless, both sequential triple oral combination therapy groups demonstrated similar shifts in these clinical parameters between baseline and 6 months. Baseline 6MWD and mean pulmonary arterial pressure were independent predictors of survival in patients undergoing ERA + PDE5i + selexipag therapy. Importantly, no significant differences were found in 6-month event-free survival and all-cause survival between two groups. CONCLUSIONS Different oral sequential triple combination therapies based on selexipag could comparably improve outcomes in patients with PAH.
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Evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral triple sequential combination therapy for treating patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A multicenter retrospective study. Pulm Circ 2024; 14:e12351. [PMID: 38468630 PMCID: PMC10925724 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an oral sequential triple combination therapy with selexipag after dual combination therapy with endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5I)/riociguat in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. A total of 192 PAH patients from 10 centers had received oral sequential selexipag therapy after being on dual-combination therapy with ERA and PDE5i/riociguat for a minimum of 3 months. Clinical data were collected at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. The study analyzed the event-free survival at 6 months and all-cause death over 2 years. At baseline, the distribution of patients among the risk groups was as follows: 22 in the low-risk group, 35 in the intermediate-low-risk group, 91 in the intermediate-high-risk group, and 44 in the high-risk group. After 6 months of treatment, the oral sequential triple combination therapy resulted in reduced NT-proBNP levels (media from 1604 to 678 pg/mL), a decline in the percentage of WHO-FC III/IV (from 79.2% to 60.4%), an increased in the 6MWD (from 325 ± 147 to 378 ± 143 m) and a rise in the percentage of patients with three low-risk criteria (from 5.7% to 13.5%). Among the low-risk group, there was an improvement in the right heart remodeling, marked by a decrease in right atrium area and eccentricity index. The intermediate-low-risk group exhibited significant enhancements in WHO-FC and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. For those in the intermediate-high and high-risk groups, there were marked improvements in activity tolerance, as reflected by WHO-FC and 6MWD. The event-free survival rate at 6 months stood at 88%. Over the long-term follow-up, the survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 86.5% and 86.0%, respectively. In conclusion, the oral sequential triple combination therapy enhanced both exercise capacity and cardiac remodeling across PAH patients of different risk stratifications.
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Contribution of pressure and flow changes to resistance reduction after pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment: a meta-analysis of 3898 patients. ERJ Open Res 2024; 10:00706-2023. [PMID: 38259812 PMCID: PMC10801731 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00706-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-targeted therapies exert significant haemodynamic changes; however, systematic synthesis is currently lacking. Methods We searched PubMed, CENTRAL and Web of Science for studies evaluating mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), cardiac index/cardiac output (CI/CO) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of PAH-targeted therapies either in monotherapy or combinations as assessed by right heart catheterisation in treatment-naïve PAH patients. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis with meta-regression. Results We included 68 studies (90 treatment groups) with 3898 patients (age 47.4±13.2 years, 74% women). In studies with small PVR reduction (<4 WU), CI/CO increase (R2=62%) and not mPAP reduction (R2=24%) was decisive for the PVR reduction (p<0.001 and p=0.36, respectively, in the multivariable meta-regression model); however, in studies with large PVR reduction (>4 WU), both CI/CO increase (R2=72%) and mPAP reduction (R2=35%) contributed significantly to the PVR reduction (p<0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). PVR reduction as a percentage of the pre-treatment value was more pronounced in the oral+prostanoid intravenous/subcutaneous combination therapy (mean difference -50.0%, 95% CI -60.8- -39.2%), compared to oral combination therapy (-41.7%, -47.6- -35.8%), prostanoid i.v./s.c. monotherapy (-31.8%, -37.6- -25.9%) and oral monotherapy (-21.6%, -25.4- -17.8%). Changes in haemodynamic parameters were significantly associated with changes in functional capacity of patients with PAH as expressed by the 6-min walking distance. Conclusion Combination therapies, especially with the inclusion of parenteral prostanoids, lead to remarkable haemodynamic improvement in treatment-naïve PAH patients and may unmask the contribution of mPAP reduction to the overall PVR reduction in addition to the increase in CO.
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Management of Acutely Decompensated Pulmonary Hypertension. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:762-770. [PMID: 37369216 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a severe life-threatening condition associated with increased pulmonary vascular resistance and resulting right heart dysfunction. Admission to intensive care unit with acutely decompensated right heart failure is a significant negative prognostic event with a high risk of multisystem organ dysfunction and death. Presentations are heterogenous and may combine signs of both diastolic and systolic dysfunction complicating management. Renal dysfunction is often present, but other organ systems can be involved resulting in findings such as acute hepatic dysfunction or bowel wall congestion and ischemia. The goals of therapy are to rapidly reverse ventriculo-arterial decoupling and reduce right ventricular afterload to prevent progression to refractory or irreversible right heart failure. Triggering events must be investigated for and addressed urgently if identified. Volume status management is critical and both noninvasive and invasive testing can aid in prognostication and guide management, including the use of inotropes and vasopressors. In cases of refractory right heart dysfunction, consideration of urgent lung transplantation and mechanical circulatory support is necessary. These patients should be managed at expert centers in an intensive care setting with a multidisciplinary team of practitioners experienced in the management of right heart dysfunction given the high short- and long-term mortality resulting from acute decompensated right heart failure.
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Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:746-761. [PMID: 37369218 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare pulmonary vascular disease characterized by progressive pulmonary arterial remodeling, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular dysfunction, and reduced survival. Effective therapies have been developed that target three pathobiologic pathways in PAH: nitric oxide, endothelin-1, and prostacyclin. Approved therapies for PAH include phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogs, and prostacyclin receptor agonists. Management of PAH in the modern era incorporates multidimensional risk assessment to guide the use of these medications. For patients with PAH and without significant comorbidities, current guidelines recommend two oral medications (phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor and endothelin receptor antagonist) for low- and intermediate-risk patients, with triple therapy including a parenteral prostacyclin to be considered in those at high or intermediate-high risk. Combination therapy may be poorly tolerated and less effective in patients with PAH and cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Thus, a single-agent approach with individualized decisions to add-on other PAH therapies is recommended in older patients and those with significant comorbid conditions. Management of PAH is best performed in multidisciplinary teams located in experienced centers. Other core pillars of PAH management include supportive and adjunctive treatments including oxygen, diuretics, rehabilitation, and anticoagulation in certain patients. Patients with PAH who progress despite optimal treatment or who are refractory to best medical care should be referred for lung transplantation, if eligible. Despite considerable progress, PAH is often fatal and new therapies that reverse the disease and improve outcomes are desperately needed.
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[Targeted therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients without comorbidities]. Pneumologie 2023; 77:890-900. [PMID: 37963478 DOI: 10.1055/a-2145-4711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The 2022 guidelines on pulmonary hypertension from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) provide therapeutic strategies that account for the variability in the clinical presentation of newly diagnosed patients. We summarize treatment recommendations for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients without significant comorbidities, particularly for idiopathic, hereditary, drug/toxin-induced, or connective tissue disease-associated PAH. In this group of patients, multidimensional assessments for short-term mortality risk guide initial treatment decisions and treatment decisions during follow-up. Upfront dual combination therapy (phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor and endothelin receptor antagonist) is recommended for low- and intermediate-risk patients, and triple therapy including a parenteral prostacyclin should be considered in high- or intermediate-high-risk patients. If a low or intermediate-low-risk profile cannot be achieved during therapy, sequential add-on therapy escalation with parenteral prostacyclin or a prostacyclin receptor agonist should be considered, and switching from a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor to a guanylate cyclase stimulator may also be considered.
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Impact of Parenteral Prostanoids in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The Relevance of Timing. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6840. [PMID: 37959305 PMCID: PMC10648828 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parenteral prostanoids are being recommended in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment, but the prognostic relevance of delayed treatment initiation is still debated. This study assessed the impact of the timing of prostacyclin treatment initiation on reducing PVR and achieving a low-risk profile in PAH patients. The study enrolled 151 patients who started on parenteral prostanoids with different treatment strategies. All patients underwent right heart catheterization, clinical evaluation, and risk assessments at baseline and after 1-year follow-up. Patients with an upfront strategy including parenteral prostanoid plus one oral drug had -5.3 ± 6.2 WU (-50 ± 19%) reduction in PVR, patients with an upfront strategy including parenteral prostanoid plus double oral drug had -12.8 ± 5.9 WU (-68 ± 17%) reduction in PVR, while patients with an add-on strategy including parenteral prostanoid after oral drugs had -3.9 ± 3.5 WU (-23 ± 19%) reduction in PVR. An upfront strategy including parenteral prostanoids was independently associated with an increased likelihood of achieving the greater reduction of PVR compared with an add-on strategy. Additionally, the greater the severity of PH at the time of diagnosis, in terms of PVR and RV reverse remodeling, the higher the probability of treatment failure. An upfront strategy including a parenteral prostanoid is associated with the highest likelihood of achieving a low-risk profile and a greater reduction of PVR compared with parenteral prostanoid as an add-on to oral treatment.
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Rapidly Progressive Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Paediatric Patient Treated with Lung Transplantation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3185. [PMID: 37892005 PMCID: PMC10606216 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare heterogeneous disorder in the paediatric population which is mostly associated with congenital heart disease. The management of paediatric idiopathic PAH (IPAH) is difficult due to insufficient comparative data and depends on the results of evidence-based adult studies with several pulmonary vasodilators, as well as the clinical experiences of paediatric experts. Our aim was to present the case of a 9-year-old girl who underwent several methods of treatment, including pharmacotherapy with a significant reaction to treprostinil, as well as bilateral lung transplantation. The patient's treatment was distinguished by the fact that the dose escalation was as rapid as that observed in the adult population. Due to the limited current evidence and knowledge, the initiation of treatment for these patients remains an individual choice. On the grounds of the number of non-specific symptoms, the diagnosis of this patient was a long process and based mainly on the differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to study this example in order to highlight the importance of early symptoms and the quick implementation of intensive treatment. The applied methods may be useful in doubtful diagnosis processes and treatment procedures in the paediatric population.
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Real-world evidence to advance knowledge in pulmonary hypertension: Status, challenges, and opportunities. A consensus statement from the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute's Innovative Drug Development Initiative's Real-world Evidence Working Group. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12317. [PMID: 38144948 PMCID: PMC10739115 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript on real-world evidence (RWE) in pulmonary hypertension (PH) incorporates the broad experience of members of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute's Innovative Drug Development Initiative Real-World Evidence Working Group. We aim to strengthen the research community's understanding of RWE in PH to facilitate clinical research advances and ultimately improve patient care. Herein, we review real-world data (RWD) sources, discuss challenges and opportunities when using RWD sources to study PH populations, and identify resources needed to support the generation of meaningful RWE for the global PH community.
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension. Presse Med 2023; 52:104168. [PMID: 37516248 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2023.104168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disease characterised by remodelling of the pulmonary arteries and progressive narrowing of the pulmonary vasculature. This leads to a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure and, if left untreated, to right ventricular failure and death. A correct diagnosis requires a complete work-up including right heart catheterisation performed in a specialised centre. Although our knowledge of the epidemiology, pathology and pathophysiology of the disease, as well as the development of innovative therapies, has progressed in recent decades, PAH remains a serious clinical condition. Current treatments for the disease target the three specific pathways of endothelial dysfunction that characterise PAH: the endothelin, nitric oxide and prostacyclin pathways. The current treatment algorithm is based on the assessment of severity using a multiparametric risk stratification approach at the time of diagnosis (baseline) and at regular follow-up visits. It recommends the initiation of combination therapy in PAH patients without cardiopulmonary comorbidities. The choice of therapy (dual or triple) depends on the initial severity of the condition. The main treatment goal is to achieve low-risk status. Further escalation of treatment is required if low-risk status is not achieved at subsequent follow-up assessments. In the most severe patients, who are already on maximal medical therapy, lung transplantation may be indicated. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease have led to the development of promising emerging therapies targeting dysfunctional pathways beyond endothelial dysfunction, including the TGF-β and PDGF pathways.
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Recent Advances in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment. Clin Ther 2023; 45:901-912. [PMID: 37517916 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, which has the potential to be life-limiting. The etiology of pediatric PH varies. When compared with adult cohorts, the etiology is often multifactorial, with contributions from prenatal, genetic, and developmental factors. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the causes and classification of pediatric PH, describe current therapeutics in pediatric PH, and discuss upcoming and necessary research in pediatric PH. METHODS PubMed was searched for articles relating to pediatric pulmonary hypertension, with a particular focus on articles published within the past 10 years. Literature was reviewed for pertinent areas related to this topic. FINDINGS The evaluation and approach to pediatric PH are unique when compared with that of adults, in large part because of the different, often multifactorial, causes of the disease in children. Collaborative registry studies have found that the most common disease causes include developmental lung disease and subsets of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which includes genetic variants and PH associated with congenital heart disease. Treatment with PH-targeted therapies in pediatrics is often guided by extrapolation of adult data, small clinical studies in pediatrics, and/or expert consensus opinion. We review diagnostic considerations and treatment in some of the more common pediatric subpopulations of patients with PH, including developmental lung diseases, congenital heart disease, and trisomy 21. IMPLICATIONS The care of pediatric patients with PH requires consideration of unique pediatric-specific factors. With significant variability in disease etiology, ongoing efforts are needed to optimize treatment strategies based on disease phenotype and guide evidence-based practices.
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Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: recent progress and a look to the future. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2023; 11:804-819. [PMID: 37591298 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe but treatable form of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension caused by pulmonary vascular remodelling. As a result of basic science discoveries, randomised controlled trials, studies of real-world data, and the development of clinical practice guidelines, considerable progress has been made in the treatment options and outcomes for patients with PAH, underscoring the importance of seamless translation of information from bench to bedside and, ultimately, to patients. However, PAH still carries a high mortality rate, which emphasises the urgent need for transformative innovations in the field. In this Series paper, written by a group of clinicians, researchers, and a patient with PAH, we review therapeutic approaches and treatment options for PAH. We summarise current knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PAH, with an emphasis on emerging treatable pathways and optimisation of current management strategies. In considering future directions for the field, our ambition is to identify therapies with the potential to stall or reverse pulmonary vascular remodelling. We highlight novel therapeutic approaches, the important role of patients as partners in research, and innovative approaches to PAH clinical trials.
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Reducing the pressure in pulmonary arterial hypertension: sotatercept, haemodynamics and the right ventricle. Eur Respir J 2023; 62:2301513. [PMID: 37696566 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01513-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
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Pathophysiology of the right ventricle in health and disease: an update. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:1891-1904. [PMID: 37463510 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of the right ventricle (RV) to cardiac output is negligible in normal resting conditions when pressures in the pulmonary circulation are low. However, the RV becomes relevant in healthy subjects during exercise and definitely so in patients with increased pulmonary artery pressures both at rest and during exercise. The adaptation of RV function to loading rests basically on an increased contractility. This is assessed by RV end-systolic elastance (Ees) to match afterload assessed by arterial elastance (Ea). The system has reserve as the Ees/Ea ratio or its imaging surrogate ejection fraction has to decrease by more than half, before the RV undergoes an increase in dimensions with eventual increase in filling pressures and systemic congestion. RV-arterial uncoupling is accompanied by an increase in diastolic elastance. Measurements of RV systolic function but also of diastolic function predict outcome in any cause pulmonary hypertension and heart failure with or without preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Pathobiological changes in the overloaded RV include a combination of myocardial fibre hypertrophy, fibrosis and capillary rarefaction, a titin phosphorylation-related displacement of myofibril tension-length relationships to higher pressures, a metabolic shift from mitochondrial free fatty acid oxidation to cytoplasmic glycolysis, toxic lipid accumulation, and activation of apoptotic and inflammatory signalling pathways. Treatment of RV failure rests on the relief of excessive loading.
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Medical Management of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2023; 20:263-270. [PMID: 37486563 PMCID: PMC10421820 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-023-00612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to overview the most relevant and recent knowledge regarding medical management in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). RECENT FINDINGS Evidence has shown that PAH patients' quality of life and prognosis depend on the capability of the RV to adapt to increased afterload and to fully recover in response to substantially reduced pulmonary vascular resistance obtained with medical therapy. Data from recent clinical studies show that more aggressive treatment strategies, especially in higher risk categories, determine larger afterload reductions, consequentially increasing the probability of achieving right heart reverse remodeling, therefore improving the patients' survival and quality of life. Remarkable progress has been observed over the past decades in the medical treatment of PAH, related to the development of drugs that target multiple biological pathways, strategies for earlier and more aggressive treatment interventions. New hopes for treatment of patients who are unable to achieve low-risk status have been derived from the phase 2 trial PULSAR and the phase 3 trial STELLAR, which show improvement in the hemodynamic status of patients treated with sotatercept on top of background therapy. Promising results are expected from several ongoing clinical trials targeting new pathways involved in the pathophysiology of PAH.
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Current Status of Endothelin Receptor Antagonists in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Combined Study Results and Pharmacology-Based Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e42748. [PMID: 37654961 PMCID: PMC10467640 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects a wide range of people globally and has a poor prognosis despite many advancements in available treatment options. Among the available treatments, endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) are among the most widely used drugs. These drugs have been evaluated in scientific trials. We included free full texts in the English language from the last ten years and reviewed them. We are writing this review to amalgamate the pharmacological aspects and the previous studies on ERAs to demonstrate a comprehensive overview of the current status of ERAs for PAH treatment. We focused on the structure, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy and safety of the three most widely used ERAs: Bosentan, Ambrisentan, and Macitentan. These drugs have different receptor affinities, bioavailability, excretion routes, and different levels of safety profiles. There are three available studies, the RCT, the ARIES series, and the SERAPHIN studies, for assessing the safety and efficacy of Bosentan, Ambrisentan, and Macitentan, respectively. All the studies and some additional studies for combination therapy have proven all three drugs effective in treating PAH. The side effects (SE) varied from headache and hepatic enzyme elevation to worsening the PAH status of varied severities. Although these studies provided valuable insight into the role of ERAs, there is still enough scope for more studies on ERAs, both as monotherapy and combination therapy for PAH.
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Characteristics of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension from an innovative, comprehensive real-world patient data repository. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12258. [PMID: 37427090 PMCID: PMC10326474 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, life-limiting disease. PAH registries provide real-world data that complement clinical trial data and inform treatment decisions. The TRIO comprehensive, integrated patient data repository (TRIO CIPDR), is an innovative US repository capturing data on contemporary patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and receiving US Food and Drug Administration-approved PAH therapies. This repository uniquely combines clinical data from electronic medical records with the ability to track drug-prescription and drug-dispensing characteristics, and includes 946 adult patients with PAH (data collected January 2019 to December 2020) enrolled from nine representative US specialist tertiary care centers. Potentially eligible patients were identified based on dispensing data from specialty pharmacies. Hemodynamic and clinical data, as well as dispensing information on prescribed PAH medications, were provided by tertiary centers. At enrollment, 75% of patients were female, 67% were White, median age at PAH diagnosis was 53 years (median time from diagnosis to enrollment was 5 years), and 37% were obese. Comorbidity profiles were as expected for a PAH population, although the proportion with atrial fibrillation (34%) was higher than expected. Overall, 38% of patients had idiopathic PAH and 30% had connective tissue disease-related PAH. Among 917 patients receiving PAH-specific therapy, 40% were on monotherapy, 43% on dual therapy, and 17% on triple therapy. Longitudinal data from this repository will allow tracking of the PAH treatment journey in relation to clinical characteristics and outcomes.
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Medical Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Current Approaches and Investigational Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1579. [PMID: 37376028 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant pulmonary vascular syndrome characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure, which eventually leads to right heart failure and even death. Although the exact mechanism of PAH is not fully understood, pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, immune and inflammatory responses, and thrombosis are thought to be involved in the development and progression of PAH. In the era of non-targeted agents, PAH had a very dismal prognosis with a median survival time of only 2.8 years. With the deep understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of PAH as well as advances in drug research, PAH-specific therapeutic drugs have developed rapidly in the past 30 years, but they primarily focus on the three classical signaling pathways, namely the endothelin pathway, nitric oxide pathway, and prostacyclin pathway. These drugs dramatically improved pulmonary hemodynamics, cardiac function, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and prognosis in PAH patients, but could only reduce pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular afterload to a limited extent. Current targeted agents delay the progression of PAH but cannot fundamentally reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling. Through unremitting efforts, new therapeutic drugs such as sotatercept have emerged, injecting new vitality into this field. This review comprehensively summarizes the general treatments for PAH, including inotropes and vasopressors, diuretics, anticoagulants, general vasodilators, and anemia management. Additionally, this review elaborates the pharmacological properties and recent research progress of twelve specific drugs targeting three classical signaling pathways, as well as dual-, sequential triple-, and initial triple-therapy strategies based on the aforementioned targeted agents. More crucially, the search for novel therapeutic targets for PAH has never stopped, with great progress in recent years, and this review outlines the potential PAH therapeutic agents currently in the exploratory stage to provide new directions for the treatment of PAH and improve the long-term prognosis of PAH patients.
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Should We Change the Target of Therapy in Pulmonary Hypertension? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1202. [PMID: 37240847 PMCID: PMC10221333 DOI: 10.3390/life13051202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the evolution of drug therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension and the more aggressive treatment approach according to the guidelines, patients continue to have unacceptable mortality rates. Furthermore, specific drug therapy alone in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension also does not seem to have any beneficial impact on survival. As the function of the right ventricle (RV) determines the prognosis of patients with pulmonary hypertension, the treatment strategy should focus on modifying factors involved in RV dysfunction. Although some previous reports demonstrated that the survival of patients with pulmonary hypertension was associated with mPAP, nevertheless, mPAP is still not considered as a target of therapy. There are many examples of effective mPAP lowering with early and aggressive drug therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension, or with interventions in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This effective mPAP reduction can lead to reverse RV remodeling, and thus, improvement in survival. In this article, the importance of mPAP lowering is stated, as well as why the change of our current strategy and considering mPAP reduction as the target of therapy could make pulmonary hypertension a chronic but not fatal disease.
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The role of riociguat in combination therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Respir Med 2023; 211:107196. [PMID: 36889521 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Effective clinical decision-making in initial treatment selection and switching or escalations of therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) depends on multiple factors including the patient's risk profile. Data from clinical trials suggest that switching from a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) to the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat may provide clinical benefit in patients not reaching treatment goals. In this review, we cover the clinical evidence for riociguat combination regimens for patients with PAH and discuss their evolving role in upfront combination therapy and switching from a PDE5i as an alternative to escalating therapy. Specifically, we review current evidence which suggests or provides a hypothesis for 1) the potential use of riociguat plus endothelin receptor antagonist combinations for upfront combination therapy in patients with PAH at intermediate to high risk of 1-year mortality and 2) the benefits of switching to riociguat from a PDE5i in patients who are not achieving treatment goals with PDE5i-based dual combination therapy and at intermediate risk.
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[Lung transplantation for severe pulmonary hypertension]. Rev Mal Respir 2023; 40 Suppl 1:e52-e57. [PMID: 36725440 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Perioperative Decision-Making in Pulmonary Hypertension. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:454-466. [PMID: 36841637 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a haemodynamic manifestation of cardiorespiratory and non-cardiorespiratory pathologies. Cardiorespiratory pathologies account for nearly three-fourths of patients with PH. It is now increasingly being recognised due to routine requests for transthoracic echocardiographic examination in the perioperative setting in patients undergoing intermediate- to high-risk non-cardiac surgery. The increased risks of perioperative morbidity and mortality attributed to PH have been widely acknowledged in the literature. The importance of PH in perioperative decision-making and postoperative outcomes has had little mention in all the guidelines. Understanding the complexity of the pathophysiology of PH may help in anaesthetic and surgical decision-making. Preoperative evaluation and risk assessment are guided by the nature, extent, invasiveness, and duration of surgery. Surgical decision-making and anaesthetic management involve preoperative risk stratification, understanding the interactions between surgical procedures and PH, and understanding the interactions between anaesthetic procedures, PH, and cardiopulmonary interactions. Intraoperative and postoperative monitoring is crucial for maintaining the haemodynamic parameters and helps titrate anaesthetic agents and medication. This narrative review focusses on all issues related to anaesthetic and surgical challenges in patients with PH. This review aimed to suggest a preoperative evaluation plan, surgical decision-making, anaesthetic plan, and anaesthetic management based on the evidence available in the literature.
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Early selexipag initiation and long-term outcomes: insights from randomised controlled trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00456-2022. [PMID: 36687361 PMCID: PMC9841313 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00456-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Further understanding of when to initiate therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is important to improve long-term outcomes. Post hoc analyses of GRIPHON (NCT01106014) and exploratory analyses of TRITON (NCT02558231) suggested benefit of early selexipag initiation on long-term outcomes, despite no additional benefit versus initial double combination on haemodynamic and functional parameters in TRITON. Post hoc analyses investigated the effect of early selexipag initiation on disease progression and survival in a large, pooled PAH cohort. Data from newly diagnosed (≤6 months) PAH patients from GRIPHON and TRITON were pooled. Patients on active therapy with selexipag (pooled selexipag group) were compared with those on control therapy with placebo (pooled control group). Disease progression end-points were defined as per the individual studies. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI for time to first disease progression event up to end of double-blind treatment (selexipag/placebo) +7 days and time to all-cause death up to end of study were estimated using Cox regression models. The pooled dataset comprised 649 patients, with 44% on double background therapy. Selexipag reduced the risk of disease progression by 52% versus control (HR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.35-0.66). HR for risk of all-cause death was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.46-1.10) for the pooled selexipag versus control group. Sensitivity analyses accounting for the impact of PAH background therapy showed consistent results, confirming the appropriateness of data pooling. These post hoc, pooled analyses build on previous insights, further supporting selexipag use within 6 months of diagnosis, including as part of triple therapy, to delay disease progression.
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Pulmonary Hypertension Association's 2022 International Conference Scientific Sessions Overview. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12182. [PMID: 36644322 PMCID: PMC9832865 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The considerable progress made in recent years in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment of pulmonary hypertension was highlighted during the most recent edition of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Scientific Sessions, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia from June 9 to 11, 2022, with the theme: Vision for the PHuture: The Evolving Science and Management of PH. Content presented over the 3-day conference focused on scientific and management updates since the last sessions were held in 2018 and included didactic talks, debates, and roundtable discussions across a broad spectrum of topics related to pulmonary hypertension. This article aims to summarize the key messages from each of the session talks.
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Pathophysiology and new advances in pulmonary hypertension. BMJ MEDICINE 2023; 2:e000137. [PMID: 37051026 PMCID: PMC10083754 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive and often fatal cardiopulmonary condition characterised by increased pulmonary arterial pressure, structural changes in the pulmonary circulation, and the formation of vaso-occlusive lesions. These changes lead to increased right ventricular afterload, which often progresses to maladaptive right ventricular remodelling and eventually death. Pulmonary arterial hypertension represents one of the most severe and best studied types of pulmonary hypertension and is consistently targeted by drug treatments. The underlying molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension is a complex and multifactorial process, but can be characterised by several hallmarks: inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, metabolic alterations, genetic or epigenetic abnormalities, influence of sex and sex hormones, and abnormalities in the right ventricle. Current treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension and some other types of pulmonary hypertension target pathways involved in the control of pulmonary vascular tone and proliferation; however, these treatments have limited efficacy on patient outcomes. This review describes key features of pulmonary hypertension, discusses current and emerging therapeutic interventions, and points to future directions for research and patient care. Because most progress in the specialty has been made in pulmonary arterial hypertension, this review focuses on this type of pulmonary hypertension. The review highlights key pathophysiological concepts and emerging therapeutic directions, targeting inflammation, cellular metabolism, genetics and epigenetics, sex hormone signalling, bone morphogenetic protein signalling, and inhibition of tyrosine kinase receptors.
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Tolerability, safety and survival in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension treated with intravenous epoprostenol (Veletri ®): a prospective, 6-months, open label, observational, non-interventional study. Respir Res 2023; 24:18. [PMID: 36653855 PMCID: PMC9847036 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epoprostenol AS (Veletri®), a thermostable epoprostenol formulation, provides better drug stability and improved clinical use compared to previous epoprostenol formulations. This study aims to expand clinical experience in the use of Veletri®, especially regarding tolerability, safety and survival. METHODS Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients at high risk despite pretreatment with at least double oral combination therapy and with clinical indication for epoprostenol (Veletri®) treatment were consecutively included in this prospective, open label, observational, non-interventional study. Clinical data were assessed at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. Adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were documented. Survival from initiation of Veletri® was assessed at last patient out. RESULTS Fifteen patients (60 ± 13.7 years, WHO functional class III (n = 10) or IV (n = 5), severely impaired right ventricular function, mean pulmonary arterial pressure 54.8 ± 8.9 mmHg, mean pulmonary vascular resistance 4.4 ± 0.7 (median 3.8) Wood Units) were enrolled and treated with a mean dosage of 7.9 ± 3.9 (median 7.5) ng/kg/min. Eleven patients completed the study (treatment withdrawal n = 1, death n = 3). After a mean follow-up of 19.1 ± 13.5 (median 18.0) months, seven patients died and three were listed for lung transplantation. Seven AEs (nausea n = 3, diarrhea n = 1, flushing n = 2, headaches n = 1) and three SAEs (catheter infection n = 2, catheter occlusion n = 1) were related to Veletri®. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 73.3% and 52.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that safety and tolerability of epoprostenol AS (Veletri®) was comparable to previous prostacyclin formulations and was feasible for most patients. The maximum tolerable dosage was lower than dosages reported in the literature. In future applications/trials the up-titration process should be pushing for higher dosages of epoprostenol in the occurrence of side effects, as the achievement of a high and effective dosage is crucial for the clinical benefit of the patients. Survival was as expected in these prevalent severely impaired patients. Trial registration The study was registered in the EUPAS registry (EUPAS32492).
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Initial Triple Combination Therapy Including Intravenous Prostaglandin I 2 for the Treatment of Patients with Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int Heart J 2023; 64:684-692. [PMID: 37518350 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.23-047] [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: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Upfront combination therapy including intravenous prostaglandin I2 (PGI2-IV) is recognized as the most appropriate treatment for patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This retrospective study aimed to determine reasons why this therapy is not used for some patients with severe PAH and describe the hemodynamic and clinical prognoses of patients receiving initial combination treatment with (PGI2-IV+) or without (PGI2-IV-) PGI2-IV.Data for patients with severe PAH (World Health Organization Functional Class III/IV and mean pulmonary arterial pressure [mPAP] ≥ 40 mmHg) were extracted from the Japan Pulmonary Hypertension Registry. Overall, 73 patients were included (PGI2-IV + n = 17; PGI2-IV- n = 56). The PGI2-IV+ cohort was younger than the PGI2-IV- cohort (33.8 ± 10.6 versus 52.6 ± 18.2 years) and had higher mPAP (58.1 ± 12.9 versus 51.8 ± 9.0 mmHg), greater prevalence of idiopathic PAH (88% versus 32%), and less prevalence of connective tissue disease-associated PAH (0% versus 29%). Hemodynamic measures, including mPAP, showed improvement in both cohorts (post-treatment median [interquartile range] 38.5 [17.0-40.0] for the PGI2-IV + cohort and 33.0 [25.0-43.0] mmHg for the PGI2-IV - cohort). Deaths (8/56) and lung transplantation (1/56) occurred only in the PGI2-IV - cohort.These Japanese registry data indicate that older age, lower mPAP, and non-idiopathic PAH may influence clinicians against using upfront combination therapy including PGI2-IV for patients with severe PAH. Early combination therapy including PGI2-IV was associated with improved hemodynamics from baseline, but interpretation is limited by the small sample size.
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The treatment strategy of connective tissue disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: Evolving into the future. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Characteristics of Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Pulmonary Hypertension Association-Accredited Comprehensive Care Center: A Contrast in Features When Compared With US National Registry Data. Cureus 2022; 14:e31764. [PMID: 36569732 PMCID: PMC9772347 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the initial description in the 1980s, our understanding of the diversity of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has continued to evolve. In this study, we report the characteristics of patients seen in an academic medical center for PAH from August 2020 through November 2021 and contrast those with nationally reported data from the United States Pulmonary Hypertension Scientific Registry (USPHSR). Study Design Investigators at the University of Utah Pulmonary Hypertension Program prospectively enrolled adult patients diagnosed with WHO Group 1 PAH, who were evaluated between August 2020 and November 2021 in a program-specific registry. Patient exposure and health histories were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires, along with clinical data and medication use. A total of 242 patients were enrolled in the University of Utah Pulmonary Hypertension Registry (UUPHR). Results Of the 242 enrolled patients, the most common etiology was associated PAH (APAH), accounting for 71.1% of the population. The second largest etiology was idiopathic PAH (IPAH) at 26.4%. The remaining patients were distributed between familial PAH (FPAH), pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), and others. Of the total population classified as APAH, 39% of cases were noted as secondary to connective tissue disease (CTD) and 33% as toxin-induced. These represented 28% and 24% of the total population, respectively. Conclusions In this US-based accredited academic medical center, the etiology of PAH in our patient population contrasts with national registry data. In the UUPHR, APAH, specifically CTD-PAH and toxin-associated PAH, accounts for the majority of patients with PAH. This contrasts with IPAH, which nationally is the most reported cause of PAH. Differences in our population may reflect the regional variation of the referral site, but it is noteworthy for its contrast with historically reported phenotypes.
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Real-world evidence of subcutaneous treprostinil use in pulmonary arterial hypertension in Argentina. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2022; 16:17534666221132735. [PMID: 36314498 PMCID: PMC9629562 DOI: 10.1177/17534666221132735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive haemodynamic disease with high morbidity and mortality. Of the different treatments available, the prostacyclin analogues are the drugs of choice for high-risk patients, with treprostinil being the most commonly used drug in Argentina. METHODOLOGY The objective of this study is to perform a retrospective evaluation of the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous treprostinil in regular clinical practice in Argentina in 51 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension after 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS The results showed that treatment with subcutaneous treprostinil is associated with a significant improvement in different clinical efficacy parameters: 65% reduction in advanced functional class (p < 0.0001), 130-m increase in the 6-min walk test (p < 0.0001), 65% reduction in the pro B-type natriuretic peptide value (-531 pg/dL; p < 0.0001), significant reduction of 15.7% in pulmonary vascular resistance [-1.3 wood units (WU); p < 0.0001], improved cardiac index with an increase of 16.7% (+0.4 L/min/m2; p = 0.002), as well as a high survival rate (92%) and a 44% incidence of combined events (mortality, heart failure, syncope and/or lung transplantation), without a significant increase in previously reported adverse events. The risk stratification evaluation according to ESC/ERS guidelines showed a significant decrease in the proportion of patients at high risk after the treatment period (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS These real-world results corroborate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous treprostinil, even at high doses, and open up the possibility of improving its current use in clinical practice as a first-line therapy, especially in high-risk patient profiles.
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Recent Advances in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1277. [PMID: 36297387 PMCID: PMC9609229 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease in which stenosis or obstruction of the pulmonary arteries (PAs) causes an increase in PA pressure, leading to right-sided heart failure and death. Basic research has revealed a decrease in the levels of endogenous vasodilators, such as prostacyclin, and an increase in the levels of endogenous vasoconstrictors, such as endothelin, in patients with PAH, leading to the development of therapeutic agents. Currently, therapeutic agents for PAH target three pathways that are selective for PAs: the prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide pathways. These treatments improve the prognosis of PAH patients. In this review, we introduce new drug therapies and provide an overview of the current therapeutic agents.
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Early echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular load adaptability after sequential combination treatment in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Herz 2022:10.1007/s00059-022-05139-1. [PMID: 36149453 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-022-05139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) ratio as an index of right ventricular load adaptability, we aimed to evaluate early changes in right heart contractile function of patients with group 1 pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) after sequential combination PAH-specific therapy. METHODS A total of 49 patients with group 1 PAH and 31 control participants were included in the study. The baseline clinical and echocardiographic data of the control and PAH group were compared. Subsequently, clinical and echocardiographic data of PAH patients before treatment and at 6 months after PAH-specific treatment were analyzed. RESULTS A significant increase in the TAPSE/PASP ratio was found in patients at 6 months of PAH-specific treatment (0.25 ± 0.14; 0.33 ± 0.16, p < 0.001). Right atrial pressure (8 mm Hg [5-10]; 5 mm Hg [3-8], p < 0.001) and PASP (80.8 ± 30.6 mm Hg; 65.9 ± 25.7 mm Hg, p < 0.001) were significantly lower after sequential combination PAH-specific therapy. Negative correlations were found between the TAPSE/PASP ratio and N‑terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r = -0.524, p < 0.001), tricuspid regurgitation velocity (r = -0.749, p < 0.001), right atrial area (r = -0.298, p = 0.037), and right atrial pressure (r = -0.463, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION In patients with group 1 PAH, echocardiographic evaluation at the early stage of treatment (6 months) shows a significant improvement in the TAPSE/PASP ratio indicating right ventricular load adaptation. Comprehensive studies are needed on the routine use of the TAPSE/PASP ratio in the risk assessment of PAH patients.
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Pulmonary pressure recovery in idiopathic, hereditary and drug and toxin-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension: Determinants and clinical impact. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 146:107099. [PMID: 36058492 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.107099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past two decades randomized controlled trials of combination treatments for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) have demonstrated improvements of clinical status but only modest reductions in mean pulmonary pressure (mPAP). Recent experiences with upfront combination treatments including parenteral prostacyclins have shown more substantial mPAP reductions, and have provided grounds for reconsiderations of treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the possibility of achieving mPAP <25 mmHg with current treatments, its determinants and the prognostic impact of mPAP reduction. METHODS 267 consecutive idiopathic, hereditary and drug and toxin-induced PAH patients treated with targeted therapies from three expert centers were followed with periodic clinical and hemodynamic assessments for survival detection. RESULTS Fifty-four (20.2%) patients achieved a mPAP <25 mmHg over 58 months (IQR 27-90) of treatment. Determinants of mPAP <25 mmHg were mPAP at diagnosis (HR 0.96, 95C.I. 0.93-0.98, p = 0.002) and an upfront combination strategy (double oral combination: HR 2.3, 95C.I. 1.10-4.76, p = 0.02; one oral plus parenteral prostanoid: HR 3.6, 95C.I. 1.39-9.37, p = 0.008; triple combination employing parenteral prostanoids: HR 12.9, 95C.I. 4.9-33.2, p = 0.0001). Seventy-three patients (27.3%) died. Survival rates were 90%, 79%, 70%, 55%, and 42% at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Mean PAP during follow-up, days from diagnosis to prostanoid initiation and prostanoid maximum dose emerged as independent predictors of survival (Uno-C-index: 0.85). A mPAP ≤35 mmHg during follow-up was identified as the best cutoff value for prediction of survival. CONCLUSIONS Reduction to a mean PAP ≤ 35 mmHg appears to be a meaningful treatment target in idiopathic, hereditary and drug and toxin-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Prognostic Value of Echocardiographic Variables Prior to and Following Initiation of Parenteral Prostacyclin Therapy. Chest 2022; 162:669-683. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Identification of autophagy-related biomarkers in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on bioinformatics analysis. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:1148-1157. [PMID: 35859795 PMCID: PMC9263897 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy participates in the regulation of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the role of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in the pathogenesis of the PAH is still unclear. This study aimed to identify the ARGs in PAH via bioinformatics analysis. A microarray dataset (GSE113439) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed ARGs (DEARGs). Protein–protein interactions network, gene ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to screen hub genes and the underlying molecular mechanisms of PAH. Finally, the mRNA expression of the hub genes was validated using the GSE53408 dataset. Twenty-six DEARGs were identified, all of which were upregulated. Enrichment analyses revealed that these DEARGs were mainly enriched in the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, response to hypoxia, response to nutrient levels, and autophagy. Among these hub genes, the mRNA expression levels of HSP90AA1, HIF1A, MET, IGF1, LRRK2, CLTC, DNM1L, MDM2, RICTOR, and ROCK2 were significantly upregulated in PAH patients than in healthy individuals. Ten hub DEARGs were identified and may participate in the pathogenesis of the PAH via the regulation of autophagy. The present study may provide novel therapeutic targets for PAH prevention and treatment and expand our understanding of PAH.
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Profiles and treatment patterns of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension on monotherapy at experienced centres. ESC Heart Fail 2022; 9:2873-2885. [PMID: 35706353 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Guideline recommendations highlight the critical role of combination therapy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Conversely, registry data demonstrate that a considerable number of PAH patients remain on monotherapy. The reasons for this discrepancy remain elusive. The aim of this study was to assess the patient profiles, treatment patterns, and disease characteristics of patients diagnosed with PAH who were kept on monotherapy at experienced pulmonary hypertension (PH) centres and to capture potential reasons for monotherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed the patient profiles of 182 patients on monotherapy with PAH-targeted drugs, managed at experienced PH expert centres (Cologne, Giessen, Heidelberg, and Dresden). Patients were identified based on their latest follow-up visit and analysed retrospectively from the time of PAH diagnosis to last follow-up. Patients were dichotomized by age, and patient characteristics, treatment patterns, response to therapy, change in risk status, and drug tolerability were recorded during the course of their disease. Patients' mean age was 69.1 ± 13.1 years at the most recent follow-up (Key Time Point 1) and 64.5 ± 14.9 years at the time of diagnosis (Key Time Point 2). The mean time on monotherapy was 60.7 ± 53.8 months; 35.7/64.3% of patients were male/female. The majority (66.5%) had idiopathic PAH, followed by PAH associated with connective tissue disease (17.0%) and portopulmonary PH (8.2%). Among patients on monotherapy, there were five main clusters: (i) patients with failed escalation attempts mostly because of intolerability (26.9%); (ii) low risk on monotherapy, favourable response, and no reason for escalation (24.2%); (iii) patients with mild PAH (36.3%); (iv) elderly patients with PAH and multiple co-morbidities (38.5%); and (v) patients with associated forms of PAH where the level of evidence for combination therapies is considered low (16.5%). There were substantial differences between patients above or below the median age (68 years). The most frequently used monotherapy for PAH was phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (75.3%). CONCLUSIONS A considerable number of PAH patients are on monotherapy at large PH expert centres, characterized by specific reasons that justify this kind of treatment. Nevertheless, as comprehensive treatment strategies have shown improved long-term outcomes even in mildly symptomatic patients, each case of monotherapy should be justified.
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Prognostic impact of follow-up pulmonary vascular resistance in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Open Heart 2022; 9:openhrt-2022-002054. [PMID: 35675988 PMCID: PMC9185661 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), caused by pulmonary artery remodelling and increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) due to an unknown mechanism, is an intractable disease with a poor prognosis. The recent development of PAH-specific treatment medications may allow for higher PVR reduction than previously achieved. This study aimed to identify the prognostic significance of follow-up PVR levels achieved shortly after the initiation of targeted treatment in patients with idiopathic/heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (I/H-PAH). Methods We analysed the data of all patients with I/H-PAH admitted to our hospital between 1998 and 2019. We collected data at baseline and during the first invasive haemodynamic evaluation. The primary outcome was death or lung transplantation. Results Of the 133 treatment-naïve patients enrolled in this study, 47 experienced adverse events during a median follow-up period of 6.4 (IQR 3.5–11.5) years. The median time interval to first follow-up from diagnosis was 162 (IQR 117–253) days. Incidence of the primary outcome was significantly lower in patients who achieved low PVR at follow-up. Of risk factors evaluated at follow-up, the multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed PVR as an independent predictor of the primary outcome (HR 1.103, 95% CI 1.029 to 1.183; p=0.006). The results were consistent across risk profiles according to the simplified risk stratification recommended by the European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society guidelines. Conclusion Follow-up PVR was an independent predictor of transplant-free survival in patients with I/H-PAH. Evaluation of haemodynamic status shortly after initiating treatment may help predict long-term prognosis.
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The importance of right ventricular remodelling in pulmonary arterial hypertension. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2022; 108:1338-1339. [PMID: 35606110 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Echocardiographic Evaluation of Initial Ambrisentan Plus Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor on Right Ventricular Pulmonary Artery Coupling in Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:843606. [PMID: 35592406 PMCID: PMC9113403 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.843606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introductionambrisentan and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) have been approved for treating patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Echocardiographic right ventricular pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) has been shown to be a valid non-invasive and alternative measurement method to assess the predicted outcomes in PAH patients. The aim of this study was to study the effect and clinical correlates of initial ambrisentan plus PDE5i combination therapy on RVPAC in patients with severe PAH.Method and ResultsWe retrospectively studied and analyzed comprehensive clinical data, hemodynamics, and echocardiography in 27 patients with severe PAH before and after 6 months of initial combination therapy. Compared with the baseline, significant improvements in RVPAC ratios were observed, including RVFAC/PASP (0.31 ± 0.10 vs. 0.44 ± 0.15%/mmHg, p < 0.001), TAPSE/PASP (0.15 ± 0.05 vs. 0.21 ± 0.06 mm/mmHg, p = 0.001), S’/PASP (0.10 ± 0.03 vs. 0.14 ± 0.05 cm/s∙mmHg, p = 0.001), and RVSV/RVESV (0.79 ± 0.22 vs. 1.02 ± 0.20, p < 0.001). Functional status indices [World Health Organization functional classifications (WHO-FC) and 6 min walk distance (6MWD) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels] showed significant improvements. Right heart catheterization (RHC) evaluations for hemodynamic measurements between baseline and the 6–12 month follow-up were sPAP (96 ± 22 vs. 86 ± 24 mmHg, p = 0.002), mPAP (64 ± 18 vs. 56 ± 17 mmHg, p < 0.001) and TPVR (17.3 ± 6.7 vs. 12.1 ± 5.4 WU, p = 0.001). Simultaneously, significant associations between RVPAC ratios and NT-proBNP levels and WHO-FC and 6MWD were observed.ConclusionAmbrisentan plus PDE-5i combination therapy resulted in a significant improvement in RVPAC in severe PAH. Importantly, RVPAC parameters correlated with known prognostic markers of PAH.
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Outcome of mean pulmonary arterial pressure-based intensive treatment for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Cardiol 2022; 80:432-440. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Aggressive Afterload Lowering to Improve the Right Ventricle: A New Target for Medical Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension? Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 205:751-760. [PMID: 34905704 PMCID: PMC9836222 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202109-2079pp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous therapeutic advances in pulmonary arterial hypertension, patients continue to suffer high morbidity and mortality, particularly considering a median age of 50 years. This article explores whether early, robust reduction of right ventricular afterload would facilitate substantial improvement in right ventricular function and thus whether afterload reduction should be a treatment goal for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The earliest clinical studies of prostanoid treatment in pulmonary arterial hypertension demonstrated an important link between lowering mean pulmonary arterial pressure (or pulmonary vascular resistance) and improved survival. Subsequent studies of oral monotherapy or sequential combination therapy demonstrated smaller reductions in mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. More recently, retrospective reports of initial aggressive prostanoid treatment or initial combination oral and parenteral therapy have shown marked afterload reduction along with significant improvements in right ventricular function. Some data suggest that reaching threshold levels for pressure or resistance (components of right ventricular afterload) may be key to interrupting the self-perpetuating injury of pulmonary vascular disease in pulmonary arterial hypertension and could translate into improved long-term clinical outcomes. Based on these clues, the authors postulate that improved clinical outcomes might be achieved by targeting significant afterload reduction with initial oral combination therapy and early parenteral prostanoids.
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Long‐term safety of a structured transition protocol from parenteral prostanoids to selexipag in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulm Circ 2022; 12:e12058. [PMID: 35506073 PMCID: PMC9052976 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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