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Questions and Answers
What is considered a 1st-line treatment option for Class III PAH according to the guidelines?
What is considered a 1st-line treatment option for Class III PAH according to the guidelines?
Which of the following is NOT listed as a 2nd-line treatment for Class II PAH?
Which of the following is NOT listed as a 2nd-line treatment for Class II PAH?
In the management of PAH, what is a Class I guideline recommendation?
In the management of PAH, what is a Class I guideline recommendation?
Which treatment option is suggested for patients with rapid progression/poor prognosis in Class III?
Which treatment option is suggested for patients with rapid progression/poor prognosis in Class III?
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For Class IV PAH, what combination treatment is listed as a 2nd-line option?
For Class IV PAH, what combination treatment is listed as a 2nd-line option?
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What is the primary focus of the Class I recommendations for PAH management?
What is the primary focus of the Class I recommendations for PAH management?
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What medication is recommended in Class IV PAH as a 1st line treatment?
What medication is recommended in Class IV PAH as a 1st line treatment?
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Which guideline has been published that includes pharmacotherapy for PAH?
Which guideline has been published that includes pharmacotherapy for PAH?
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What key parameter differentiates pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from pulmonary hypertension (PH)?
What key parameter differentiates pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from pulmonary hypertension (PH)?
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Which mutation is specifically associated with a genetic predisposition to pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Which mutation is specifically associated with a genetic predisposition to pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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Which of the following is an adverse effect commonly associated with pharmacologic treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Which of the following is an adverse effect commonly associated with pharmacologic treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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In the WHO classification, which group corresponds to pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease?
In the WHO classification, which group corresponds to pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease?
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Which of the following conditions can lead to a risk factor for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Which of the following conditions can lead to a risk factor for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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What is the first-line treatment for Class II and III pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
What is the first-line treatment for Class II and III pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect associated with PGI2 and its analogs?
Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect associated with PGI2 and its analogs?
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For patients in Class III with rapid progression of PAH, what is recommended?
For patients in Class III with rapid progression of PAH, what is recommended?
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Which treatment has the highest risk of hepatotoxicity among PAH medications?
Which treatment has the highest risk of hepatotoxicity among PAH medications?
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What is a significant adverse effect associated with riociguat?
What is a significant adverse effect associated with riociguat?
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What is the main characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
What is the main characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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Which combination therapy is a second-line approach for Class IV PAH treatment?
Which combination therapy is a second-line approach for Class IV PAH treatment?
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What adverse effect is commonly associated with PDE-5 inhibitors during sexual activity?
What adverse effect is commonly associated with PDE-5 inhibitors during sexual activity?
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Which medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to high teratogenicity risk?
Which medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to high teratogenicity risk?
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What is a common side effect of sotatercept?
What is a common side effect of sotatercept?
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Which of the following medications is considered an endothelin receptor antagonist (ETRA)?
Which of the following medications is considered an endothelin receptor antagonist (ETRA)?
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What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
What is the primary goal of oxygen therapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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What is the target concentration of Digoxin for achieving symptomatic benefit in PAH?
What is the target concentration of Digoxin for achieving symptomatic benefit in PAH?
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Which class of drugs increases intracellular cGMP and is used in the treatment of PAH?
Which class of drugs increases intracellular cGMP and is used in the treatment of PAH?
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Which of the following is a common adverse effect of prostacyclin analogs used in PAH treatment?
Which of the following is a common adverse effect of prostacyclin analogs used in PAH treatment?
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What is the appropriate starting dose of Bosentan in the treatment of PAH?
What is the appropriate starting dose of Bosentan in the treatment of PAH?
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Which of the following is TRUE regarding the long-term efficacy of conventional therapies for PAH?
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the long-term efficacy of conventional therapies for PAH?
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What is the maximum recommended dose of Tadalafil for PAH treatment?
What is the maximum recommended dose of Tadalafil for PAH treatment?
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Which type of PAH can benefit from oral anticoagulation therapy?
Which type of PAH can benefit from oral anticoagulation therapy?
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For which condition are loop diuretics most commonly recommended in the context of PAH?
For which condition are loop diuretics most commonly recommended in the context of PAH?
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What is a primary goal of pharmacotherapy in patients diagnosed with PAH?
What is a primary goal of pharmacotherapy in patients diagnosed with PAH?
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Which of the following mediators is typically reduced in patients with PAH?
Which of the following mediators is typically reduced in patients with PAH?
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How is WHO Class II PAH characterized?
How is WHO Class II PAH characterized?
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What indicates a positive response in vasoreactivity assessment during right heart catheterization?
What indicates a positive response in vasoreactivity assessment during right heart catheterization?
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Which drug class should be used in patients with a positive vasodilator response?
Which drug class should be used in patients with a positive vasodilator response?
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What is a classic symptom of PAH?
What is a classic symptom of PAH?
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Which condition is NOT typically classified as an underlying cause of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH)?
Which condition is NOT typically classified as an underlying cause of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH)?
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What is indicated by symptoms of advanced PAH?
What is indicated by symptoms of advanced PAH?
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In which WHO class do patients experience symptoms at rest and are unable to perform physical activities?
In which WHO class do patients experience symptoms at rest and are unable to perform physical activities?
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Which of the following is NOT a treatment goal for patients with PAH?
Which of the following is NOT a treatment goal for patients with PAH?
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What is a key assessment technique used to evaluate vasoreactivity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
What is a key assessment technique used to evaluate vasoreactivity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the primary goals of pharmacotherapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Which of the following is NOT one of the primary goals of pharmacotherapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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Which classic symptom is most commonly associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Which classic symptom is most commonly associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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In the WHO classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which class describes patients who have no limitation of physical activity?
In the WHO classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which class describes patients who have no limitation of physical activity?
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Which genetic mutation is associated with the inhibition of apoptosis in smooth muscle cells, contributing to pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Which genetic mutation is associated with the inhibition of apoptosis in smooth muscle cells, contributing to pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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What is the maximum pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) value that must be maintained to diagnose pulmonary arterial hypertension?
What is the maximum pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) value that must be maintained to diagnose pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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Which symptom indicates progression to advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Which symptom indicates progression to advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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What classification defines patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who experience symptoms at rest?
What classification defines patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who experience symptoms at rest?
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What physiological change is primarily attributed to ALK-1 mutations in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
What physiological change is primarily attributed to ALK-1 mutations in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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What is the significance of a positive vasodilator response in vasoreactivity assessment?
What is the significance of a positive vasodilator response in vasoreactivity assessment?
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Which outcome indicates a positive response to vasoreactivity assessment during right heart catheterization?
Which outcome indicates a positive response to vasoreactivity assessment during right heart catheterization?
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What is a primary pharmacotherapy goal in managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
What is a primary pharmacotherapy goal in managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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Which of the following is considered a classic symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
Which of the following is considered a classic symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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In the WHO classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which class corresponds to patients with symptoms present at rest?
In the WHO classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which class corresponds to patients with symptoms present at rest?
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Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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What is a key feature considered in the classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
What is a key feature considered in the classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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In the context of PAH, what is the primary intention of using oral anticoagulation therapy?
In the context of PAH, what is the primary intention of using oral anticoagulation therapy?
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Which symptom is commonly experienced by patients in advanced stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
Which symptom is commonly experienced by patients in advanced stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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What role does digoxin play in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
What role does digoxin play in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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Which statement is true regarding the role of diuretics in managing PAH?
Which statement is true regarding the role of diuretics in managing PAH?
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What is a key goal of pharmacotherapy for patients diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
What is a key goal of pharmacotherapy for patients diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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Which classic symptom is commonly associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
Which classic symptom is commonly associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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In the classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which group experiences symptoms typically at rest?
In the classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which group experiences symptoms typically at rest?
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What indicates a positive response in a vasoreactivity assessment during right heart catheterization?
What indicates a positive response in a vasoreactivity assessment during right heart catheterization?
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Which pathophysiological mechanism is primarily involved in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
Which pathophysiological mechanism is primarily involved in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)?
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Which of the following conditions is NOT typically considered an underlying cause of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH)?
Which of the following conditions is NOT typically considered an underlying cause of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH)?
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What is the primary recommended action for patients with PAH regarding management?
What is the primary recommended action for patients with PAH regarding management?
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What physiological change occurs in pulmonary arteries during the progression of PAH?
What physiological change occurs in pulmonary arteries during the progression of PAH?
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Which medication class is primarily associated with causing headache as a common adverse effect?
Which medication class is primarily associated with causing headache as a common adverse effect?
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In regards to pulmonary arterial hypertension, which factor contributes to the classification into WHO Class III?
In regards to pulmonary arterial hypertension, which factor contributes to the classification into WHO Class III?
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Which of the following describes a potential CNS effect associated with certain PAH treatments?
Which of the following describes a potential CNS effect associated with certain PAH treatments?
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Class II PAH patients typically experience symptoms under which of the following conditions?
Class II PAH patients typically experience symptoms under which of the following conditions?
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What is the primary goal of pharmacotherapy in managing pulmonary arterial hypertension?
What is the primary goal of pharmacotherapy in managing pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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Which side effect is associated with the use of inhaled products for PAH treatment?
Which side effect is associated with the use of inhaled products for PAH treatment?
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In which WHO classification do patients typically have symptoms at rest?
In which WHO classification do patients typically have symptoms at rest?
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What is a classic symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension?
What is a classic symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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Which of the following adverse effects is considered less common with inhaled PAH treatments compared to IV/SC products?
Which of the following adverse effects is considered less common with inhaled PAH treatments compared to IV/SC products?
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What characterizes the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension?
What characterizes the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension?
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For a positive response in vasoreactivity assessment, which outcome is expected?
For a positive response in vasoreactivity assessment, which outcome is expected?
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Which treatment treatment goal is prioritized for patients with symptomatic PAH?
Which treatment treatment goal is prioritized for patients with symptomatic PAH?
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Study Notes
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
- The diagnosis of PAH requires a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) of at least 20 mmHg and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of no more than 15 mmHg.
- PAH is distinct from pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is a broader term encompassing various forms of high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation.
- Several factors can contribute to PAH, including genetic mutations, infections, connective tissue disorders, and certain medications.
- The most common cause of PAH worldwide is schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection.
- BMPR2 mutations, which inhibit smooth muscle cell apoptosis and lead to proliferation, are a key genetic factor in PAH.
- ALK-1 mutations are linked to small vascular malformations and immune responses.
WHO Functional Classification
- The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies PAH into four functional classes based on the severity of symptoms and limitations in physical activity:
- Class I: No limitations of activity, symptoms not worsened by exertion.
- Class II: Mild limitations of physical activity, symptoms present with normal activity but not at rest.
- Class III: Less than normal activity causes limiting symptoms.
- Class IV: Symptoms at rest, inability to perform physical activities.
Symptoms
-
Classic symptoms of PAS include:
- Dyspnea, particularly on exertion.
- Pre-syncope or syncope.
- Chest pain.
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
-
Symptoms indicating progressing/advanced disease:
- Lower extremity edema.
- Hypotension.
- Cyanosis.
- Wheezing.
- Use of accessory muscles during breathing.
- Heart murmur due to valve regurgitation.
Pharmacotherapy Goals
- Reduce symptoms and improve functional class status.
- Mitigate the progressive nature of the disease.
- Decrease the number of hospitalizations.
- Improve physical ability, measured by the six-minute walk distance (6MWD).
- Monitor cardiopulmonary hemodynamics through right heart catheterization and echocardiography.
Vasoreactivity Assessment
- Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are recommended for patients with a positive vasodilator response.
- CCB such as diltiazem, nifedipine, and amlodipine are used.
- CCB use in non-responders, particularly in WHO Class II and III patients, is associated with risks.
First-Line Agents
- Ambrisentan (an endothelin receptor antagonist, ETRA) and tadalafil (a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, PDE5I) are the first-line agents for treating PAH.
Second-Line Agents
- Second-line therapies include monotherapy with ETRAs, PDE5 inhibitors, or riociguat (a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator).
- Ambrisentan and sildenafil have the most substantial evidence supporting their use.
Class III with Rapid Progression
- Patients in Class III with rapid disease progression are treated like Class IV patients.
Class IV
- First-line therapy for Class IV patients is parenteral prostanoids, such as IV epoprostenol and IV/SC treprostinil.
- Second-line therapy involves a combination of inhaled prostanoid, oral PDE5I, and oral ETRA.
Drug Therapy Overview --- CHEST 2019 Guidelines
-
Endothelin Receptor Antagonists (ETRAs)
-
Ambrisentan
- Adverse effects: Hepatotoxicity (bosentan), anemia, edema, headache, sinus congestion.
- Boxed warning: High risk of teratogenicity if taken during pregnancy. (REMS program)
- Macitentan
- Bosentan
-
Ambrisentan
-
Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators
-
Riociguat
- Adverse effects: Headache, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, dizziness, hypotension, anemia, GERD, palpitations.
- Boxed warning: High risk of teratogenicity if taken during pregnancy (REMS program).
-
Riociguat
-
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is)
-
Sildenafil
- Adverse effects: Headache, hypotension, myalgias, cardiovascular events reported mainly during/after sexual activity.
- Tadalafil
-
Sildenafil
-
Prostacyclin & Prostanoids (Analogs)
-
Treprostinil
-
Systemic administration
- Adverse effects: Hypotension, tachycardia, thrombocytopenia, CNS effects (headache, dizziness), flu-like syndrome, jaw pain, flushing.
-
Inhaled products
- Adverse effects: Flushing, cough, jaw spasms, headache, insomnia, hypotension, flu-like syndromes.
- Lower risk of adverse effects compared to IV/SC products.
-
Systemic administration
- Epoprostenol
- Iloprost
-
Treprostinil
Conventional Therapy --- ESC/ERS 2022 Guidelines
-
Oral anticoagulation (warfarin, INR goal of 1.5-2.5)
- Considered for IPAH, hereditable PAH, or drug-induced PAH based on limited data.
-
Loop diuretics (furosemide)
- Dosed to maintain euvolemic state.
- Recommended for patients with right ventricle dysfunction.
-
Oxygen therapy
- Goal oxygen saturation of ≥ 92%.
- Based on evidence in COPD.
-
Digoxin (target concentration of 0.5-0.8 ng/mL)
- No longer explicitly recommended, but can be used to address arrhythmias.
PAH-Specific Pharmacotherapy --- CHEST 2019 Guidelines
-
Class I:
- Monitoring + conventional therapy as appropriate.
- Treatment of underlying disease states, contributing causes.
- Birth control and immunizations are recommended for all patients.
-
Class II:
- First-line: Ambrisentan (ETRA) + Tadalafil (PDE5I).
- Second-line: Ambrisentan, sildenafil, bosentan, macitentan, tadalafil, riociguat.
- Prostanoid analogs are generally not used.
-
Class III:
- First-line: Ambrisentan + tadalafil.
- Second-line: Ambrisentan, sildenafil, bosentan, macitentan, tadalafil, riociguat.
- IV epoprostenol or IV/SC treprostinil are suggested initially for patients with rapid progression or poor prognosis.
- Inhaled or oral prostanoids may be added as needed.
-
Class IV:
- First-line: IV epoprostenol or IV/SC treprostinil.
- Second-line: Inhaled prostanoid in combination with an oral PDE5I and an oral ETRA.
Considerations
- Prostacyclins have limited duration of efficacy, and about 50% of patients do not respond after 1 year of treatment.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the treatment options and guidelines for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This quiz covers first and second-line treatments, key recommendations, and important distinctions in classifications of PAH. Perfect for healthcare professionals and students focusing on cardiology and pulmonary health.