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Shu T, Chen H, Wang L, Wang W, Feng P, Xiang R, Wen L, Huang W. The Efficacy and Safety of Pulmonary Vasodilators in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension (PH): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:668902. [PMID: 33967811 PMCID: PMC8103162 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.668902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulmonary vasodilators in pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. Methods: We searched electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to May 2020, and conducted a subgroup analysis for pulmonary vasodilators or underlying disease. Results: Fifteen studies with 719 pediatric PH patients were included in the meta-analysis. Adverse events did not differ (p = 0.11, I 2 = 15%) between the pulmonary vasodilators group and the control group, neither in the subgroups. In total, compared with the control group treatment, pulmonary vasodilators significantly decreased the mortality (p = 0.002), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP, p = 0.02), and mechanical ventilation duration (p = 0.03), also improved the oxygenation index (OI, p = 0.01). In the persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) subgroup, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) significantly reduced mortality (p = 0.03), OI (p = 0.007) and mechanical ventilation duration (p = 0.004). Administration of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) improved OI (p = 0.04) and mechanical ventilation duration (p < 0.00001) in PPHN. We also found that in the pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PPAH) subgroup, mPAP was pronouncedly declined with ERAs (p = 0.006). Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP, p < 0.0001) and pulmonary arterial/aortic pressure (PA/AO, p < 0.00001) were significantly relieved with PDE5i, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) was improved with prostacyclin in postoperative PH (POPH) subgroup (p = 0.001). Compared with the control group, pulmonary vasodilators could significantly decrease PA/AO pressure (p < 0.00001) and OI (p < 0.00001) in the short-term (duration <7 days) follow-up subgroup, improve mPAP (p = 0.03) and PaO2 (p = 0.01) in the mid-term (7-30 days) follow-up subgroup, also decrease mortality, mPAP (p = 0.0001), PA/AO pressure (p = 0.0007), duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.004), and ICU stay (p < 0.00001) in the long-term follow subgroup (>30 days). Conclusion: Pulmonary vasodilators decrease the mortality in pediatric PH patients, improve the respiratory and hemodynamic parameters, reduce the mechanical ventilation duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huaqiao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wuwan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Panpan Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Herein we review the diagnosis and classification for pediatric PAH and detail the current therapeutic options available for use in the pediatric PAH population. RECENT FINDINGS Classification and treatment of pediatric PAH is guided by adult criteria and treatment algorithms, yet the distribution of factors contributing to PAH in children differs significantly from that seen in adults. It is necessary to understand these differences in order to appropriately tailor therapy to the needs of the child or adolescent. An expanding array of targeted PAH drugs are now approved for use in adults, and many of these drugs are used "off-label" to treat children and adolescents with PAH. Use of these novel therapies has coincided with marked improvement in outcomes, suggesting significant benefit. However, because most of these drugs have not been studied in rigorous randomized, controlled trials in children, it is critical that physicians understand their mechanisms of action, potential benefits, and safety profiles. Pediatric PAH outcomes have improved substantially in the modern era, coinciding with the "off-label" use of targeted PAH drugs in children and adolescents. Ideally, care should be provided at centers with specialized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric PAH by providers who understand the appropriate diagnostic algorithms, classification schemes, and treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E Ezekian
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, DUMC, Box 3090, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kevin D Hill
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, DUMC, Box 3090, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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Sadushi-Kolici R, Lang IM. Treprostinil for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Expert Rev Respir Med 2019; 13:1-7. [PMID: 31545126 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2019.1652094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Parenteral treprostinil for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension has resulted in improvement of exercise capacity, functional class, hemodynamics, and survival. Recently, a first randomized trial performed in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension confirmed the efficacy of subcutaneous treprostinil in this subset of pulmonary hypertension. Areas covered: Treprostinil sodium is a prostacyclin analog produced synthetically. Drug characteristics include potent systemic and pulmonary vasodilatory effects. Local side-effects of subcutaneous treprostinil have been an obstacle for its use. However, in contrast to other prostacyclins, treprostinil has favorable features. We performed a literature survey by searching PubMed for clinical trials published in any language, investigating medicinal treatments for CTEPH. We used the search terms 'inoperable', and 'chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension' with 'randomized clinical trial', and have put treprostinil for CTEPH in the contest of published literature. Expert opinion: Drugs approved for PAH have recently shown excellent efficacy in patients with non-operable CTEPH. Rather than head-to-head comparisons of drugs, combination treatments are to be expected in the near future. Furthermore, drugs will have to be tested alongside with pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), and alongside balloon pulmonary angioplasty, a promising percutaneous mechanical treatment for CTEPH that is not suited for PEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roela Sadushi-Kolici
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Irene Marthe Lang
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
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Sadushi-Kolici R, Jansa P, Kopec G, Torbicki A, Skoro-Sajer N, Campean IA, Halank M, Simkova I, Karlocai K, Steringer-Mascherbauer R, Samarzija M, Salobir B, Klepetko W, Lindner J, Lang IM. Subcutaneous treprostinil for the treatment of severe non-operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTREPH): a double-blind, phase 3, randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2018; 7:239-248. [PMID: 30477763 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(18)30367-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treprostinil, a prostacyclin analogue, is effective for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, information is scarce regarding treprostinil for treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous treprostinil in this setting. METHODS In this 24-week, randomised, double-blind controlled trial, we enrolled patients with CTEPH, classified as non-operable, or with persistent or recurrent pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy, in six European expert centres in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland. Patients in WHO functional class III or IV with a 6-min walk distance of 150-400 m were randomly assigned at a 1:1 allocation ratio to continuous high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil (target dose around 30 ng/kg per min at week 12) or low-dose subcutaneous treprostinil (target dose around 3 ng/kg per min at week 12). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in 6-min walk distance at week 24. All patients who received at least one dose of the study drug were included in the intention-to-treat efficacy and safety analyses based on assessment of adverse events. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrialsRegister.eu EudraCT number 2008-006441-10 and ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01416636. FINDINGS From March 9, 2009, to June 9, 2016, 105 patients were enrolled with 53 (50%) patients randomly assigned to high-dose and 52 (50%) patients to low-dose subcutaneous treprostinil. At week 24, marginal mean 6-min walk distance improved by 44·98 m (95% CI 27·52 to 62·45) in the high-dose group, and by 4·29 m (95% CI -13·34 to 21·92) in the low-dose group (treatment effect 40·69 m, 95% CI 15·86 to 65·53, p=0·0016). 12 serious adverse events were reported in ten (19%) of 52 patients from the low-dose group and 16 serious adverse events were reported in nine (17%) of 53 patients from the high-dose group. The most common treatment-related adverse events in both groups were infusion site pain and other infusion site reactions. INTERPRETATION Treatment with subcutaneous treprostinil was safe, and improved exercise capacity in patients with severe CTEPH. Subcutaneous treprostinil provides a parenteral treatment option for patients of WHO functional class III or IV and those who do not tolerate other therapies or need combination treatment. FUNDING SciPharm Sàrl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roela Sadushi-Kolici
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pavel Jansa
- Clinical Department of Cardiology and Angiology of the 2nd Department of Medicine, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Grzegorz Kopec
- Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Centre for Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Adam Torbicki
- Department of Pulmonary Circulation and Thromboembolic Diseases, European Health Center, Otwock, Poland
| | - Nika Skoro-Sajer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ioana-Alexandra Campean
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Halank
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Iveta Simkova
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology of Medical Faculty, Slovak Medical University and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristof Karlocai
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Miroslav Samarzija
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Klinički Bolnički Centar Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Salobir
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Allergy, Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Walter Klepetko
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jaroslav Lindner
- Clinical Department of Cardiology and Angiology of the 2nd Department of Medicine, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Irene M Lang
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Kumar P, Thudium E, Laliberte K, Zaccardelli D, Nelsen A. A Comprehensive Review of Treprostinil Pharmacokinetics via Four Routes of Administration. Clin Pharmacokinet 2017; 55:1495-1505. [PMID: 27286723 PMCID: PMC5107196 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-016-0409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Treprostinil is available in three different formulations and four different routes of administration: Remodulin® (treprostinil sodium, intravenous and subcutaneous administration), Tyvaso® (treprostinil sodium, inhaled administration), and Orenitram® (treprostinil diolamine, oral administration) for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Pharmacokinetic studies have been performed in healthy volunteers and patients with PAH. The intent of this review is to outline pharmacokinetic considerations of the three treprostinil formulations and provide clinicians with a resource that may support clinical decisions in treating patients with PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag Kumar
- United Therapeutics Corporation, 55 T.W. Alexander Drive, PO Box 14186, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.,Clinical Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily Thudium
- United Therapeutics Corporation, 55 T.W. Alexander Drive, PO Box 14186, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Kevin Laliberte
- United Therapeutics Corporation, 55 T.W. Alexander Drive, PO Box 14186, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - David Zaccardelli
- United Therapeutics Corporation, 55 T.W. Alexander Drive, PO Box 14186, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Andrew Nelsen
- United Therapeutics Corporation, 55 T.W. Alexander Drive, PO Box 14186, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society 2014 Consensus Statement: Pharmacotherapies in Cardiac Critical Care Pulmonary Hypertension. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2016; 17:S89-100. [PMID: 26945333 PMCID: PMC4820013 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000000622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacologic treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension in the cardiac intensive care setting and summarize the most-recent literature supporting these therapies. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION Literature search for prospective studies, retrospective analyses, and case reports evaluating the safety and efficacy of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies. DATA EXTRACTION Mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics, treatment recommendations, safety considerations, and outcomes for specific medical therapies. DATA SYNTHESIS Specific targeted therapies developed for the treatment of adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have been applied for the benefit of children with pulmonary arterial hypertension. With the exception of inhaled nitric oxide, there are no pulmonary arterial hypertension medications approved for children in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration. Unfortunately, data on treatment strategies in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension are limited by the small number of randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of specific treatments. The treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension in children focus on endothelial-based pathways. Calcium channel blockers are recommended for use in a very small, select group of children who are responsive to vasoreactivity testing at cardiac catheterization. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy is the most-commonly recommended oral treatment option in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Prostacyclins provide adjunctive therapy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension as infusions (IV and subcutaneous) and inhalation agents. Inhaled nitric oxide is the first-line vasodilator therapy in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and is commonly used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the ICU. Endothelin receptor antagonists have been shown to improve exercise tolerance and survival in adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators are the first drug class to be Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Literature and data supporting the safe and effective use of pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies in children in the cardiac intensive care are limited. Extrapolation of adult data has afforded safe medical treatment of pulmonary hypertension in children. Large multicenter trials are needed in the search for safe and effective therapy of pulmonary hypertension in children.
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Skoro-Sajer N, Lang I. Extended-release oral treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 12:1391-9. [PMID: 25363827 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.2014.975209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance ultimately resulting in progressive right heart failure. Although new specific treatments have demonstrated improvements in various end points including morbidity/mortality, prognosis remains unfavorable with an on-treatment yearly mortality rate of 10%. Due to complex delivery systems, the use of parenteral prostanoids has been limited to patients with advanced disease. While inhaled prostanoids have had little effect, an oral prostacyclin analog is a desired initial treatment for PAH patients. To that end, UT-15C was synthesized as a sustained-release tablet. FREEDOM-M in treatment-naïve PAH patients resulted in significant improvements of 6-min walk distance supporting the use of oral treprostinil as initial monotherapy in PAH patients with class II or III symptoms. A further study targeting patients on combination treatments is currently exploring a morbidity/mortality end point in a large patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Skoro-Sajer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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8
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Buckley MS, Berry AJ, Kazem NH, Patel SA, Librodo PA. Clinical utility of treprostinil in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension: an evidence-based review. CORE EVIDENCE 2014; 9:71-80. [PMID: 25018685 PMCID: PMC4073912 DOI: 10.2147/ce.s50607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a progressive disease without a cure, despite the development of several treatment options over the past several decades. Its management strategy consists of the endothelin receptor antagonists (ambrisentan, bosentan, macitentan), phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), and prostacyclin analogs (epoprostenol, treprostinil, iloprost). Treprostinil, a stable prostacyclin analog, displays vasodilatory effects in the pulmonary vasculature, as well as antiplatelet aggregation properties. Clinical practice guidelines recommend oral endothelin receptor antagonist or phosphodiesterase inhibitor therapy in mild to moderate PAH. Epoprostenol is specifically suggested as first-line therapy in moderate to severe PAH patients (ie, World Health Organization/New York Heart Association functional class III-IV). However, treprostinil may be an alternative option in these severe PAH patients. The longer half-life and stability at room temperature with treprostinil may be associated with lower risk of pulmonary hemodynamic worsening as a result of abrupt infusion discontinuation and less frequent drug preparation. These characteristics make treprostinil an attractive alternative to continuous infusion of epoprostenol, due to convenience and patient safety. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous infusion of treprostinil as well as the inhaled and oral routes of administration in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S Buckley
- Department of Pharmacy, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Andrew J Berry
- Department of Pharmacy, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Nadine H Kazem
- Department of Pharmacy, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shardool A Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Banner Estrella Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Paul A Librodo
- Department of Pharmacy, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Gupta V, Krasuski RA. Inhaled treprostinil sodium for pulmonary hypertension. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2014. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2014.885834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Treprostinil (Remodulin, United Therapeutics) is a stable, long-acting prostacyclin analog, which has been shown to improve clinical state, functional class, exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, an uncommon disease with poor prognosis. The drug is administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion using a portable miniature delivery system. Side effects include facial flush, headache, jaw pain, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. These are all typical of prostacyclin impregnation and manageable by symptom-directed dose adjustments. Infusion site pain, a more serious side effect, may limit the treatment in 10% of patients. Otherwise, treprostinil has an excellent safety profile and compares favorably with reference continuous intravenous epoprostenol (Flolan, GlaxoSmithKline) therapy. Treprostinil has a place in currently proposed treatment algorithms of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Luc Vachiéry
- Department of Cardiology, Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
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Skoro-Sajer N. Optimal use of treprostinil in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a guide to the correct use of different formulations. Drugs 2013; 72:2351-63. [PMID: 23231023 DOI: 10.2165/11638260-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Treprostinil is a synthetic prostacyclin analogue with antiplatelet and vasodilatory properties. It is the only prostacyclin analogue with different options of delivery, i.e. subcutaneous, intravenous, inhaled or oral. Subcutaneous treprostinil has been shown in short- and long-term studies to improve exercise capacity, functional class, haemodynamics and survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Pain at the infusion site has been a major drawback of subcutaneous treprostinil, hampering dose titration, and ultimately leading to increased discontinuation rates. The additional clinical interest in treprostinil as an alternative intravenous prostacyclin has developed due to its favourable properties, including longer half-life, chemical stability, the possibility of intravenous infusion without the need for ice packs, and easy drug preparation. Intravenous treprostinil improves exercise capacity, functional class and haemodynamics in patients with PAH, over the period of 12 weeks. If patients are switched to intravenous treprostinil, they usually need to double the dose to attain the same efficacy. Whether the effect of intravenous treprostinil remains clinically relevant beyond 12 weeks is not known, and a longer follow-up would be required to investigate this. Inhaled treprostinil is an efficacious treatment in PAH patients who are moderately symptomatic on background oral therapy. Oral treprostinil on top of background therapy did not lead to an improvement in 6-minute walking distance after 16 weeks of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Skoro-Sajer
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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LeVarge BL, Channick RN. Inhaled treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Expert Rev Respir Med 2012; 6:255-65. [PMID: 22788940 DOI: 10.1586/ers.12.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Treprostinil is a prostacyclin derivative approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension by intravenous, subcutaneous and inhalational administration. Unlike its precursor epoprostenol, treprostinil is chemically stable at room temperature and neutral pH, and its plasma half-life is longer. In addition to promoting smooth muscle relaxation in the pulmonary vasculature, treprostinil has suppressive effects on platelet aggregation, smooth muscle proliferation and inflammation. A Phase III study, investigating the addition of inhaled treprostinil to oral bosentan or sildenafil, confirmed significant improvements in exercise capacity and quality of life. This review examines the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of inhaled treprostinil for use in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L LeVarge
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Mirza S, Foley RJ. Clinical utility of treprostinil and its overall place in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CIRCULATORY RESPIRATORY AND PULMONARY MEDICINE 2012; 6:41-50. [PMID: 22872790 PMCID: PMC3412595 DOI: 10.4137/ccrpm.s8678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that leads to characteristic vascular wall remodeling and hemodynamic alterations. Consequently, this pulmonary vascular disease contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality in afflicted patients. PAH may be idiopathic in nature or associated with connective tissue disease, chronic liver disease, human immunodeficiency virus, congenital heart disease, and a growing list of other conditions. There are currently nine Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for specific PAH treatment. Therapeutic targets include prostacyclin replacement, endothelin-1 antagonism, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition. This article focuses on the prostanoid treprostinil and explores its role in the management of patients with PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen Mirza
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
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14
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Abstract
Treprostinil is a stable, long-acting prostacyclin analogue which can be administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion using a portable miniature delivery system. Subcutaneous treprostinil has been shown in a large multicenter randomized controlled trial to improve exercise capacity, clinical state, functional class, pulmonary hemodynamics, and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, an uncommon disease of poor prognosis. Side effects include facial flush, headache, jaw pain, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea, all typical of prostacyclin, and manageable by symptom-directed dose adjustments, and infusion site pain which may make further treatment impossible in 7%-10% of the patients. Long-term survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients treated with subcutaneous treprostinil is similar to that reported with intravenous epoprostenol. There are uncontrolled data suggesting efficacy of subcutaneous treprostinil in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Treprostinil can also be administered intravenously, although increased doses, up to 2-3 times those given subcutaneously, appear to be needed to obtain the same efficacy. Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial of inhaled treprostinil on top of bosentan and sildenafil therapies have shown significance on the primary endpoint, which was exercise capacity as assessed by the distance walked in 6 minutes. Trials of oral formulations of treprostinil have been initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Skoro-Sajer
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicione II, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna Austria
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Skoro-Sajer N, Lang I. Treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2008; 9:1415-20. [PMID: 18473715 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.9.8.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severely disabling disorder characterized by sustained elevations of pulmonary arterial pressure, ultimately leading to right-heart failure and death. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) usually occurs in the absence of an evident cause (idiopathic PAH) or may be associated with connective tissue disease, HIV infection, congenital heart disease, chronic liver disease or result from the use of toxic agents and anorexigens. OBJECTIVE/METHOD Intravenous epoprostenol has been widely used in patients with PAH, leading to long-term clinical benefits and improved survival. Epoprostenol has to be delivered through a permanently implanted Intravenous catheter. This may expose patients to potentially life-threatening complications. Thus, more stable compounds and alternative modes of prostacyclin delivery have been sought. CONCLUSION Treprostinil sodium is a stable prostacyclin analogue, sharing pharmacologic actions similar to epoprostenol with comparable haemodynamic effects. Treprostinil is chemically stable at room temperature and has a long half-life (2 - 4 h), making this drug suitable for subcutaneous administration, with practical benefits in avoiding the risk of line infection and thrombosis, and cardiovascular reactions due to abrupt drug discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Skoro-Sajer
- Medical University of Vienna, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Waehringer Guertel 18 - 20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Oberwittler H, Hirschfeld-Warneken A, Wesch R, Willerich H, Teichert L, Lehr KH, Ding R, Haefeli WE, Mikus G. Significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of warfarin with the NO-independent sGC activator HMR1766. J Clin Pharmacol 2007; 47:70-7. [PMID: 17192504 DOI: 10.1177/0091270006294540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
HMR1766 is a new nitric oxide (NO)-independent activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in development for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and chronic heart failure. A significant fraction of patients to be treated with HMR1766 is expected to be maintained on warfarin. Because HMR1766 is an inhibitor and warfarin a substrate of CYP2C9, the authors studied whether warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are influenced by HMR1766. Eighteen healthy males were to receive a single oral dose of 20 mg warfarin each under steady-state conditions of HMR1766 or placebo. Plasma concentrations of HMR1766, (R)- and (S)-warfarin, and its 7-hydroxy-metabolites were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and prothrombin time, and the international standardized ratio was determined by the nephelometric method. (S)-Warfarin AUC(inf) and t(1/2) were 106,471 h x microg/L and 82.92 hours versus 33,148 h x microg/L under HMR1766 and 31.72 hours under placebo, and the maximum decrease in prothrombin time values after warfarin dosing was 58.75% versus 39.94%. These data demonstrate a CYP2C9-mediated pharmacokinetic interaction with pharmacodynamic, clinically relevant consequences, which might require warfarin dose adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor F. Tapson
- Professor of Medicine, Director, Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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