Recent Trials in Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Volume 3, Jan 2014

Gagandeep Singh Wander, MD, Rahul Mehrotra, MD, DNB, Manish Bansal, MD, DNB, Gurgaon, India

 Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a serious disorder where chronically elevated pulmonary vascular resistance may lead to right heart failure and death. Disease progression is inevitable and occurs inspite of disease-specific drugs such as prostacyclins and its analogues, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonist. Some newer drugs in recent trials have been found to positively alter the disease progression and quality of life. Subsequent approval by FDA in October 2013 of two such drugs – macitentan and riociguat – in management of PAH has further underlined their importance. Various trials with percutaneous interventional therapies like modifications of atrial septostomy with fenestrated stents in PAH and role of segmental balloon angioplasty for inoperable patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension are encouraging. Recently a first in human study of pulmonary artery (PA) denervation in idiopathic PAH has also been reported.

Volume 3, Number 1, Pages: 33-35