Hemodynamic predictors of survival in scleroderma-related pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Connective Tissue Disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a syndrome characterized by elevated pulmonary pressures, commonly complicates connective tissue disease (CTD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The incidence of PH varies widely between CTDs; patients with systemic sclerosis are most likely to develop PH. Several different types of PH can present in CTD, including PH related to left heart disease and respiratory disease. Importantly, CTD patients are at risk for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare form of PH that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Future therapies targeting pulmonary vascular remodeling may improve outcomes for patients with this devastating disease.

Isoproterenol improves hemodynamics and right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling after heart transplantation

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major cause of early mortality after heart transplantation (HT). Isoproterenol (Iso) has chronotropic, inotropic, and vasodilatory properties, which might improve right ventricle function in this setting. We aimed to investigate the hemodynamic effects of isoproterenol on patients with post-HT RVF. We conducted a 1-yr retrospective observational study including patients receiving isoproterenol (Iso) and dobutamine for early RVF after HT. A comprehensive multiparametric hemodynamic evaluation was performed successively three times: no isoproterenol, low doses: 0.025 µg/kg/min, and high doses: 0.05 µg/kg/min (henceforth, respectively, called no Iso, low Iso, and high Iso). From June 2022 to June 2023, 25 patients, median [interquartile range (IQR) 25-75] age 54 [38-61] yr, were included. Before isoproterenol was introduced, all patients received dobutamine, and 15 (60%) were on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Isoproterenol significantly increased heart rate from 84 [77-99] (no Iso) to 91 [88-106] (low Iso) and 102 [90-122] beats/min (high Iso, P < 0.001). Similarly, cardiac index rose from 2.3 [1.4-3.1] to 2.7 [1.8-3.4] and 3 [1.9-3.7] L/min/m2 (P < 0.001) with a concomitant increase in indexed stroke volume (28 [17-34] to 31 [20-34] and 33 [23-35] mL/m2, P < 0.05). Effective pulmonary arterial elastance and pressures were not modified by isoproterenol. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) tended to decrease from 2.9 [1.4-3.6] to 2.3 [1.3-3.5] wood units (WU), P = 0.06. Right ventricular ejection fraction/systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) evaluating right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling increased after isoproterenol from 0.8 to 0.9 and 1%·mmHg-1 (P = 0.001). In conclusion, in post-HT RVF, isoproterenol exhibits chronotropic and inotropic effects, thereby improving RV-PA coupling and resulting in a clinically relevant increase in the cardiac index.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study offers a detailed and comprehensive hemodynamic investigation at the bedside, illustrating the favorable impact of isoproterenol on right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling and global hemodynamics. It elucidates the physiological effects of an underused inotropic strategy in a critical clinical scenario. By enhancing cardiac hemodynamics, isoproterenol has the potential to expedite right ventricular recovery and mitigate primary graft dysfunction, thereby reducing the duration of mechanical support and intensive care unit stay posttransplantation.

Non-invasive imaging techniques for early diagnosis of bilateral cardiac dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension: current crests, future peaks

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disease that eventually leads to heart failure (HF) and subsequent fatality if left untreated. Right ventricular (RV) function has proven prognostic values in patients with a variety of heart diseases including PAH. PAH is predominantly a right heart disease; however, given the nature of the continuous circulatory system and the presence of shared septum and pericardial constraints, the interdependence of the right and left ventricles is a factor that requires consideration. Accurate and timely assessment of ventricular function is very important in the management of patients with PAH for disease outcomes and prognosis. Non-invasive modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and echocardiography (two-dimensional and three-dimensional), and nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) play a crucial role in the assessment of ventricular function and disease prognosis. Each modality has its own strengths and limitations, hence this review article sheds light on (i) ventricular dysfunction in patients with PAH and RV-LV interdependence in such patients, (ii) the strengths and limitations of all available modalities and parameters for the early assessment of ventricular function, as well as their prognostic value, and (iii) lastly, the challenges faced and the potential future advancement in these modalities for accurate and early diagnosis of ventricular function in PAH.

Prognostic significance of pericardial effusion in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension: analysis from the PHAROS Registry

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a leading cause of death in patients with SSc. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of pericardial effusion in patients with SSc-PH.

METHODS

Pulmonary Hypertension Assessment and Recognition of Outcomes in Scleroderma (PHAROS) is a prospective multicentre registry which enrolled patients with newly diagnosed SSc-PH from 2005 to 2016. The prognostic impact of pericardial effusion status, including those who ever or never had pericardial effusion, and those who had persistent or intermittent pericardial effusion, was analysed. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 335 patients with SSc-PH diagnosed by right heart catheterization and documentation of pericardial effusion presence or absence on echocardiogram, 166 (50%) ever had pericardial effusion. Ever having pericardial effusion was not predictive of survival (log-rank test P = 0.49). Of the 245 SSc-PH patients who had at least two echocardiograms, 44% had a change in pericardial effusion status over an average of 4.3 years of follow up. Having a persistent pericardial effusion was an independent predictor of survival [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=2.34, 95% CI 1.20, 4.64, P = 0.002], while intermittent pericardial effusion was not a predictor of survival (aHR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.52, 1.56, P = 0.68), in a multivariable-adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSION

Persistent pericardial effusion, but not ever having had pericardial effusion or intermittent pericardial effusion, was independently associated with poorer survival. Incorporating information from serial echocardiograms may help clinicians better prognosticate survival in their SSc-PH patients.

Sildenafil Versus Placebo for Early Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Scleroderma (SEPVADIS): protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). An important component of SSc patient management is early detection and treatment of PH. Recently the threshold for the diagnosis of PH has been lowered to a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) threshold of > 20 mmHg on right heart catheterization (RHC). However, it is unknown if PH-specific therapy is beneficial in SSc patients with mildly elevated pressure (SSc-MEP, mPAP 21-24 mmHg).

METHODS

The SEPVADIS trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of sildenafil in SSc-MEP patients with a target enrollment of 30 patients from two academic sites in the United States. The primary outcome is change in six-minute walk distance after 16 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints include change in pulmonary arterial compliance by RHC and right ventricular function by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 16 weeks. Echocardiography, serum N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, and health-related quality of life is being measured at 16 and 52 weeks.

DISCUSSION

The SEPVADIS trial will be the first randomized study of sildenafil in SSc-MEP patients. The results of this trial will be used to inform a phase 3 study to investigate the efficacy of treating patients with mild elevations in mPAP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04797286.

Classification and Predictors of Right Ventricular Functional Recovery in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Normative changes in right ventricular (RV) structure and function have not been characterized in the context of treatment-associated functional recovery (RV functional recovery [RVFnRec]). The aim of this study is to assess the clinical relevance of a proposed RVFnRec definition.

METHODS

We evaluated 63 incident patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension by right heart catheterization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing following treatment (≈11 months). Sex, age, ethnicity matched healthy control subjects (n=62) with 1-time cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and noninvasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing were recruited from the PVDOMICS (Redefining Pulmonary Hypertension through Pulmonary Vascular Disease Phenomics) project. We examined therapeutic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging changes relative to the evidence-based peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak)>15 mL/(kg·min) to define RVFnRec by receiver operating curve analysis. Afterload was measured as mean pulmonary artery pressure, resistance, compliance, and elastance.

RESULTS

A drop in RV end-diastolic volume of -15 mL best defined RVFnRec (area under the curve, 0.87; P=0.0001) and neared upper 95% CI RV end-diastolic volume of controls. This cutoff was met by 22 out of 63 (35%) patients which was reinforced by freedom from clinical worsening, RVFnRec 1 out of 21 (5%) versus no RVFnRec 17 out of 42, 40% (log-rank P=0.006). A therapy-associated increase of 0.8 mL/mm Hg in compliance had the best predictive value of RVFnRec (area under the curve, 0.76; [95% CI, 0.64-0.88]; P=0.001). RVFnRec patients had greater increases in stroke volume, and cardiac output at exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

RVFnRec defined by RV end-diastolic volume therapeutic decrease of -15 mL predicts exercise capacity, freedom from clinical worsening, and nears normalization. A therapeutic improvement of compliance is superior to other measures of afterload in predicting RVFnRec. RVFnRec is also associated with increased RV output reserve at exercise.

Clinical features of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder of the connective tissue characterized by disordered inflammation and fibrosis leading to skin thickening and visceral organ complications. Pulmonary involvement, in the form of pulmonary arterial hypertension and/or interstitial lung disease, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with scleroderma. There are no disease-specific therapies for pulmonary involvement of scleroderma, and pulmonary arterial hypertension in this cohort has typically been associated with worse outcomes and less clinical response to modern therapy compared to other forms of Group I pulmonary hypertension in the classification from the World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension. Ongoing research aims to delineate how pathologic microvascular remodeling and fibrosis contribute to this poor response and offer a window into future therapeutic targets.

Elevated Pulmonary Arterial Compliance Is Associated with Survival in Pulmonary Hypertension: Results from a Novel Network Medicine Analysis

Rationale: Predictors of adverse outcome in pulmonary hypertension (PH) are well established; however, data that inform survival are lacking. Objectives: We aim to identify clinical markers and therapeutic targets that inform the survival in PH. Methods: We included data from patients with elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) diagnosed by right heart catheterization in the U.S. Veterans Affairs system (October 1, 2006-September 30, 2018). Network medicine framework was used to subgroup patients when considering an N of 79 variables per patient. The results informed outcome analyses in the discovery cohort and a sex-balanced validation right heart catheterization cohort from Vanderbilt University (September 24, 1998-December 20, 2013). Measurements and Main Results: From an N of 4,737 complete case patients with mPAP of 19-24 mm Hg, there were 21 distinct subgroups (network modules) (all-cause mortality range = 15.9-61.2% per module). Pulmonary arterial compliance (PAC) drove patient assignment to modules characterized by increased survival. When modeled continuously in patients with mPAP ⩾19 mm Hg (N = 37,744; age, 67.2 yr [range = 61.7-73.8 yr]; 96.7% male; median follow-up time, 1,236 d [range = 570-1,971 d]), the adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio was <1.0 beginning at PAC ⩾3.0 ml/mm Hg and decreased progressively to ∼7 ml/mm Hg. A protective association between PAC ⩾3.0 ml/mm Hg and mortality was also observed in the validation cohort (N = 1,514; age, 60.2 yr [range = 49.2-69.1 yr]; 48.0% male; median follow-up time, 2,485 d [range = 671-3,580 d]). The association was strongest in patients with precapillary PH at the time of catheterization, in whom 41% (95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.62; P < 0.001) and 49% (95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.69; P < 0.001) improvements in survival were observed for PAC ⩾3.0 versus <3.0 ml/mm Hg in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: These data identify elevated PAC as an important parameter associated with survival in PH. Prospective studies are warranted that consider PAC ⩾3.0 ml/mm Hg as a therapeutic target to achieve through proven interventions.

Pulmonary vascular fibrosis in pulmonary hypertension - The role of the extracellular matrix as a therapeutic target

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and vascular remodeling of distal pulmonary arteries. These changes result in increased vessel wall thickness and lumen occlusion, leading to a loss of elasticity and vessel stiffening. Clinically, the mechanobiology of the pulmonary vasculature is becoming increasingly recognized for its prognostic and diagnostic value in PH. Specifically, the increased vascular fibrosis and stiffening resulting from ECM accumulation and crosslinking may be a promising target for the development of anti- or reverse-remodeling therapies. Indeed, there is a huge potential in therapeutic interference with mechano-associated pathways in vascular fibrosis and stiffening. The most direct approach is aiming to restore extracellular matrix homeostasis, by interference with its production, deposition, modification and turnover. Besides structural cells, immune cells contribute to the level of ECM maturation and degradation by direct cell-cell contact or the release of mediators and proteases, thereby opening a huge avenue to target vascular fibrosis via immunomodulation approaches. Indirectly, intracellular pathways associated with altered mechanobiology, ECM production, and fibrosis, offer a third option for therapeutic intervention. In PH, a vicious cycle of persistent activation of mechanosensing pathways such as YAP/TAZ initiates and perpetuates vascular stiffening, and is linked to key pathways disturbed in PH, such as TGF-beta/BMPR2/STAT. Together, this complexity of the regulation of vascular fibrosis and stiffening in PH allows the exploration of numerous potential therapeutic interventions. This review discusses connections and turning points of several of these interventions in detail.

Independent Predictors of Mortality in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH). This systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from January 2010 to April 2023 using the following keywords: "systemic sclerosis," "pulmonary arterial hypertension," "death," and "predictors," along with medical subject headings (MeSH), to identify relevant studies. A total of eight studies with a total of 530 patients were included in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled one-year, three-year, and five-year survival was 90% (95% CI: 86-93%), 66% (95% CI: 59-72%), and 44% (95% CI: 23-65%), respectively. Factors associated with mortality in SSc-PAH included age (p-value: 0.02), male gender (p-value: 0.008), pericardial effusion (p-value: 0.003), cardiac index (p-value: 0.0001), six-minute walking distance (p-value: 0.04), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) (p-value: 0.01), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification (p-value: 0.0002). The findings of this study have important clinical implications. Assessing and managing the identified predictors, such as age, gender, pericardial effusion, PAP, cardiac index, and NYHA class, could help identify individuals at higher risk of mortality and guide treatment strategies.

Renal involvement in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune vasculopathy associated with dysregulated innate and adaptive immunity that leads to generalized systemic fibrosis. Renal involvement occurs in a significant proportion of systemic sclerosis patients, and is associated with worse outcome. Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is the most studied and feared renal complication described in systemic sclerosis. However, with the emergence of ACE inhibitors and better management, the mortality rate of SRC has significantly decreased. Renal disease in systemic sclerosis offers a wide array of differential diagnoses that may be challenging for the clinician. The spectrum of renal manifestations in systemic sclerosis ranges from an isolated decrease in glomerular filtration rate, increased intrarenal arterial stiffness, and isolated proteinuria due to SRC to more rare manifestations such as association with antiphospholipid antibody nephropathy and ANCA-associated vasculitis. The changes observed in the kidneys in systemic sclerosis are thought to be due to a complex interplay of various factors, including renal vasculopathy, as well as the involvement of the complement system, vasoactive mediators such as endothelin-1, autoimmunity, prothrombotic and profibrotic cytokines, among others. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the main renal manifestations in systemic sclerosis by discussing the most recent epidemiological and pathophysiological data available and the challenges for clinicians in making a diagnosis of renal disease in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Distinct cardiovascular phenotypes are associated with prognosis in systemic sclerosis: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

AIMS

Cardiovascular involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is heterogeneous and ill-defined. This study aimed to: (i) discover cardiac phenotypes in SSc by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR); (ii) provide a CMR-based algorithm for phenotypic classification; and (iii) examine for associations between phenotypes and mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective, single-centre, observational study of 260 SSc patients who underwent clinically indicated CMR including native myocardial T1 and T2 mapping from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering using only CMR variables revealed five clusters of SSc patients with shared CMR characteristics: dilated right hearts with right ventricular failure (RVF); biventricular failure dilatation and dysfunction (BVF); and normal function with average cavity (NF-AC), normal function with small cavity (NF-SC), and normal function with large cavity (NF-LC) sizes. Phenotypes did not co-segregate with clinical or antibody classifications. A CMR-based decision tree for phenotype classification was created. Sixty-three (24%) patients died during a median follow-up period of 3.4 years. After adjustment for age and presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH), independent CMR predictors of all-cause mortality were native T1 (P < 0.001) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (P = 0.0032). NF-SC and NF-AC groups had more favourable prognoses (P≤0.036) than the other three groups which had no differences in prognoses between them (P > 0.14). Hazard ratios (HR) were statistically significant for RVF (HR = 8.9, P < 0.001), BVF (HR = 5.2, P = 0.006), and NF-LC (HR = 4.9, P = 0.002) groups. The NF-LC group remained significantly predictive of mortality after adjusting for RVEF, native T1, and PH diagnosis (P = 0.0046).

CONCLUSION

We identified five CMR-defined cardiac SSc phenotypes that did not co-segregate with clinical data and had distinct outcomes, offering opportunities for a more precision-medicine based management approach.

Classification and Predictors of Right Ventricular Functional Recovery in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background

Normative changes in right ventricular (RV) structure and function have not been characterized in the context of treatment-associated functional recovery (RVFnRec). The aim of this study is to assess the clinical relevance of a proposed RVFnRec definition.

Methods

We evaluated 63 incident patients with PAH by right heart catheterization and cardiac MRI (CMR) at diagnosis and CMR and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise (CPET) following treatment (∼11 months). Sex, age, race/ethnicity matched healthy control subjects (n=62) with one-time CMR and non-invasive CPET were recruited from the PVDOMICS project. We examined therapeutic CMR changes relative to the evidence-based peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak )>15mL/kg/min to define RVFnRec by receiver operating curve analysis. Afterload was measured in the as mean pulmonary artery pressure, resistance, compliance, and elastance.

Results

A drop in RV end-diastolic volume of -15 mL best defined RVFnRec (AUC 0.87, P=0.0001) and neared upper 95% CI RVEDV of controls. 22/63 (35%) of subjects met this cutoff which was reinforced by freedom from clinical worsening, RVFnRec 1/21 (5%) versus no RVFnRec 17/42, 40%, (log rank P=0.006). A therapy-associated increase of 0.8 mL/mmHg in compliance had the best predictive value of RVFnRec (AUC 0.76, CI 0.64-0.88, P=0.001). RVFnRec subjects had greater increases in stroke volume, and cardiac output at exercise.

Conclusions

RVFnRec defined by RVEDV therapeutic decrease of -15mL predicts exercise capacity, freedom from clinical worsening, and nears normalization. A therapeutic improvement of compliance is superior to other measures of afterload in predicting RVFnRec. RVFnRec is also associated with increased RV output reserve at exercise.

Clinical Perspective

What is new?: Right ventricular functional recovery (RVFnRec) represents a novel endpoint of therapeutic success in PAH. We define RVFnRec as treatment associated normative RV changes related to function (peak oxygen consumption). Normative RV imaging changes are compared to a well phenotyped age, sex, and race/ethnicity matched healthy control cohort from the PVDOMICS project. Previous studies have focused on RV ejection fraction improvements. However, we show that changes in RVEDV are perhaps more important in that improvements in LV function also occur. Lastly, RVFnRec is best predicted by improvements in pulmonary artery compliance versus pulmonary vascular resistance, a more often cited metric of RV afterload.What are the clinical implications?: RVFnRec represents a potential non-invasive assessment of clinical improvement and therapeutic response. Clinicians with access to cardiac MRI can obtain a limited scan (i.e., ventricular volumes) before and after treatment. Future study should examine echocardiographic correlates of RVFnRec.

Improved Survival for Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The Johns Hopkins Registry

Rationale: To date, it remains unclear whether recent changes in the management of patients with systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SSc-PH) have improved survival. Objectives: To describe a cohort of patients with SSc-PH and compare their characteristics and survival between the last two decades. Methods: Patients with SSc-PH prospectively enrolled in the Johns Hopkins Pulmonary Hypertension Center Registry were grouped into two cohorts based on the date of diagnostic right heart catheterization: cohort A included patients whose disease was diagnosed between 1999 and 2010, and cohort B included those whose disease was diagnosed between 2010 and 2021. Patients' characteristics were compared between the two cohorts. Measurements and Main Results: Of 504 patients with SSc-PH distributed almost equally between the two cohorts, 308 (61%) had World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension group 1, 43 (9%) had group 2, and 151 (30%) had group 3 disease. Patients with group 1 disease in cohort B had significantly better clinical and hemodynamic characteristics at diagnosis, were more likely to receive upfront combination pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy, and had a nearly 4-year increase in median transplant-free survival in univariable analysis than those in cohort A (P < 0.01). Improved transplant-free survival was still observed after adjusting for patients' baseline characteristics. In contrast, for group 2 or 3 patients with SSc-PH, there were no differences in baseline clinical, hemodynamic, or survival characteristics between the two cohorts. Conclusions: This is the largest single-center study that compares clinical characteristics of patients with SSc-PH between the last two decades. Transplant-free survival has improved significantly for those with group 1 disease over the last decade, possibly secondary to earlier detection and better therapeutic management. Conversely, those with group 2 or 3 disease continue to have dismal prognosis.

Diagnostic accuracy and predictive value of autoantibody profiles in patients with systemic sclerosis: a single-center study

OBJECTIVE

To determine diagnostic accuracy and evaluate the predictive value of autoantibody profiles in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

A total of 140 patients with SSc (125 female, mean age 54.2 ± 14.2 years) were analyzed by a multiplex line immunoassay (Euroimmun) for autoantibodies against 12 SSc-related antigens. Associations between the presence of the autoantibodies and demographic clinical manifestations of patients with SSc were investigated.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of this assay were as follows: 32.9% and 99.4% for anti-Scl-70, 29.3% and 88.9% for anti-CENP A, 28.6% and 87.8% for anti-CENP B, 7.1% and 97.8% for anti-RP11, 5.7% and 100% for anti-RP155, 2.9% and 99.4% for anti-NOR 90, 2.9% and 98.9% for anti-Th/To, 1.4% and 96.7% for anti-PM-Scl-100, 5.0% and 98.3% for anti-PM-Scl-75, and 2.9% and 97.2% for anti-Ku, respectively. Anti-Scl-70 was significantly associated with sine scleroderma (P = 0.003), digital ulcers (P = 0.047), and Raynaud's phenomenon as the first clinical manifestation of onset (P = 0.017). SSc-ILD was more common in patients with anti-Scl-70 (P = 0.029) and less frequent in patients with anti-CENP A (P < 0.001) and anti-CENP B (P < 0.001). There was a significant association between PAH with anti-CENP A (P = 0.008) and anti-CENP B (P = 0.025). Renal involvement was significantly related to anti-NOR90 (P = 0.026) and anti-Th/To (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the important role of autoantibodies in accurately diagnosing SSc. The autoimmune profile of patients with SSc was related to specific disease manifestations. Key Points • Autoantibody profiles were useful for diagnosing SSc and predicting clinical features of patients.

Kidney transplantation in systemic sclerosis: Advances in graft, disease, and patient outcome

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated rheumatic disease characterized by vascular abnormalities, tissue fibrosis, and inflammation. Renal disease occurring in patients with SSc may have a variable clinicopathological picture. However, the most specific renal condition associated with this disease is the scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), characterized by acute onset of renal failure and severe hypertension. SRC develops in about 20% of cases of SSc, especially in those patients with diffuse cutaneous disease. The prognosis of this condition is often negative, with a rapid progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The advent of the antihypertensive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in 1980 was associated with a significant improvement in patients’ survival and recovery of renal function. However, the prognosis of these patients can still be improved. The dialytic condition is associated with early death, and mortality is significantly higher than among patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to other conditions. Patients with SRC who show no signs of renal functional recovery despite timely blood pressure control are candidates for kidney transplantation (KT). In this review, we reported the most recent advances in KT in patients with ESRD due to SSc, with a particular overview of the risk of disease recurrence after transplantation and the evolution of other disease manifestations.

The Association of Body Mass Index With Mortality Among Pulmonary Hypertension Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

Objective

To run a systematic review and meta-analysis of related studies on body mass index (BMI) and the risk of death among pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, as well as, to shed light on the shape and strength of the dose-response association.

Methods

Studies published up to Jun 2021 in scientific databases such as Scopus, and PubMed as well as Google Scholar were searched. Cohort studies that reported risk estimates for at least two categories of BMI or per certain increase in BMI in relation to mortality in PH patients were included. Summary relative risks were determined with random effects models. Non-linear relationship was discovered with dose-response analysis.

Results

All in all, 15 cohort studies were selected. The number of participants was 127,215 out of which 73,999 were reported dead. The summary RR for mortality per a 5-unit increment in BMI was 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.77–0.89; I² = 75.6%, n = 9) among PH patients. There was a non-linear dose-response relation between BMI and mortality in PH patients (P_{non−linearity} < 0.001), with the lowest risk being at BMI 32–38 kg/m².

Conclusion

Higher BMI is related to decreased risk of mortality among PH patients and the lowest point of the curve was seen at BMI 32–38.

sPAP/PAAT Ratio as a New Index of Pulmonary Vascular Load: A Study in Normal Subjects and Ssc Patients with and without PH

In pulmonary hypertension (PH), the development of right ventricular (RV) dilatation and RV failure are signs of accelerated progression of the disease, resulting in an increased risk of cardiac death. Even the noninvasive assessment of systolic blood pressure in the pulmonary artery undertaken by echocardiography does not provide a measure of ventricle–pulmonary interaction. Some studies have shown the potential for echocardiography to indirectly evaluate pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and the acceleration time of pulmonary outflow (PAAT). We used systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance to develop an sPAP/PAAT ratio (strength/surface unit)/(time) for this study. From January 2017 to December 2018, 60 healthy subjects and 63 patients with systemic scleroderma (Ssc) (60 females, 3 males), 27 with PH and 36 without PH at two-dimensional echocardiographic/Doppler, were screened. In normal subjects, the mean sPAP/PAAT ratio was 0.26 ± 0.063, which indicated optimal pulmonary arterial ventricle coupling and biventricular function. The data derived from the analysis of the Ssc patients showed that those presenting pre-capillary PH at cardiac catheterization had an sPAP/PAAT ratio of 0.40 ± 0.05. There was a significant correlation between sPAP/PAAT with Walk Distance (WD) and PVR, but not with TAPSE. Interobserver variability was less than 5%. The sPAP/PAAT ratio is a new parameter that may indicate pulmonary vascular afterload and interaction, both in normal subjects and in patients with Ssc and PH.

The Mechanobiology of Vascular Remodeling in the Aging Lung

Aging is accompanied by declining lung function and increasing susceptibility to lung diseases. The role of endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling in these changes is supported by growing evidence, but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this review we summarize functional, structural, and molecular changes in the aging pulmonary vasculature and explore how interacting aging and mechanobiological cues may drive progressive vascular remodeling in the lungs.

The role of TGF-β or BMPR2 signaling pathway-related miRNA in pulmonary arterial hypertension and systemic sclerosis

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of connective tissue disease (CTD), causing death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The past decade has yielded many scientific insights into microRNA (miRNAs) in PAH and SSc. This growth of knowledge has well-illustrated the complexity of microRNA (miRNA)-based regulation of gene expression in PAH. However, few miRNA-related SSc-PAH were elucidated. This review firstly discusses the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2) in PAH and SSc. Secondly, the miRNAs relating to TGF-β and BMPR2 signaling pathways in PAH and SSc or merely PAH were subsequently summarized. Finally, future studies might develop early diagnostic biomarkers and target-oriented therapeutic strategies for SSc-PAH and PAH treatment.

Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Connective Tissue Disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a syndrome characterized by elevated pulmonary pressures, commonly complicates connective tissue disease (CTD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The incidence of PH varies widely between CTDs; patients with systemic sclerosis are most likely to develop PH. Several different types of PH can present in CTD, including PH related to left heart disease and respiratory disease. Importantly, CTD patients are at risk for developing pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare form of PH that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Future therapies targeting pulmonary vascular remodeling may improve outcomes for patients with this devastating disease.

Improvement with time of vascular outcomes in systemic sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis study

OBJECTIVES

Vascular disease in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Preliminary data may lead to the suggestion of a modifiable unified-vascular endophenotype. Our aim was to determine whether the prevalence, mortality, and severity of SSc-vascular disease have changed over time.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature in PubMed 1950-2019 related to SSc-digital ulcers (DUs), pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). We included full-text articles and extracted study characteristics and assessed risk of bias/quality. We examined the prevalence, mortality, and surrogate measures of SSc-associated vascular disease severity.

RESULTS

We included 55 studies in our meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of DUs (41.0%), PAH (9.5%) and SRC (4.9%) remained largely stable over time. There was significant improvement in PAH 1-year (p= 0.001) and SRC mortality (P = <0.001), but not PAH 3-year (p= 0.312) or 5-year (p= 0.686) mortality. The prevalence of DU healing did not significantly change (p= 0.265). There was a trend (all P=∼0.1) towards improvement in PAH surrogates: mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right atrial pressure. For SRC, there was evidence that the overall frequency of dialysis (66.7%, p= 0.297) and permanent dialysis (34.5%, p= 0.036) increased over time.

CONCLUSION

Despite the heterogeneity and scarcity of the disease, there have been major improvements obtained in the various vascular complications in SSc leading to benefit in survival. This is supported by a trend towards improvement in several surrogate markers and demonstrates that progresses in vascular management translate into major patient benefit.

A Pilot Study of Dimethyl Fumarate in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Systemic Sclerosis

Introduction

Given the poor treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated systemic sclerosis (SSc-PAH) patients, we sought to determine clinical safety and efficacy of Dimethylfumarate (DMF), an Nrf2 agonist, and the effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress on SSc-PAH in an exploratory interventional clinical trial.

Objectives

The primary objectives were to assess the safety and efficacy of treatment with DMF in patients with SSc-PAH.

Methods

This was an investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted at two sites in the United States. The primary safety endpoint was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) and all adverse events (AEs) in DMF compared to placebo-treated patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in 6MWD from baseline to the end of treatment at Week 24 in DMF compared to placebo-treated patients.

Results

Six participants were randomized to either placebo (n = 2) or DMF (n = 4). Baseline demographics were similar in both groups. A total of 25 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 6 subjects, with 14 AEs (56.0%) having occurred in DMF-treated subjects. 3 occurrences were identified as nausea AEs, and two participants withdrew due to nausea. One participant in the placebo group was withdrawn after a hospitalization SAE due to worsening of heart failure and shortness of breath secondary to anemia. One participant in each group completed protocol. Subjects in the DMF-treated group showed a non-significant reduced decline in 6MWD (relative mean change of -7.07%) from baseline to Week 24 as compared to placebo-treated subjects (relative mean change of -14.97%).

Conclusion

Patients treated for SSc-PAH with 2 and 3-drug regimens, as is now typical for these patients, tolerate DMF poorly. Our small samples size did not provide power to suggest efficacy. We suggest that Nrf2 is still a valid therapeutic target for future trials, using better tolerated Nrf2 agonists.

Pulmonary hypertension phenotypes in patients with systemic sclerosis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) commonly affects patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. PH is a heterogenous condition and several different forms can be associated with SSc, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) resulting from a pulmonary arterial vasculopathy, PH due to left heart disease and PH due to interstitial lung disease. The incidence of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease is also increased. Accurate and early diagnosis to allow optimal treatment is, therefore, essential. Recent changes to diagnostic haemodynamic criteria at the 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension have resulted in therapeutic uncertainty regarding patients with borderline pulmonary haemodynamics. Furthermore, the optimal pulmonary vascular resistance threshold for diagnosing PAH and the role of exercise in identifying early disease require further elucidation. In this article we review the epidemiology, diagnosis, outcomes and treatment of the spectrum of pulmonary vascular phenotypes associated with SSc.

Mechanical forces and metabolic changes cooperate to drive cellular memory and endothelial phenotypes

Endothelial cells line the innermost layer of arterial, venous, and lymphatic vascular tree and accordingly are subject to hemodynamic, stretch, and stiffness mechanical forces. Normally quiescent, endothelial cells have a hemodynamic set point and become "activated" in response to disturbed hemodynamics, which may signal impending nutrient or gas depletion. Endothelial cells in the majority of tissue beds are normally inactivated and maintain vessel barrier functions, are anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and anti-thrombotic. However, under aberrant mechanical forces, endothelial signaling transforms in response, resulting cellular changes that herald pathological diseases. Endothelial cell metabolism is now recognized as the primary intermediate pathway that undergirds cellular transformation. In this review, we discuss the various mechanical forces endothelial cells sense in the large vessels, microvasculature, and lymphatics, and how changes in environmental mechanical forces result in changes in metabolism, which ultimately influence cell physiology, cellular memory, and ultimately disease initiation and progression.

Effects of sildenafil on right ventricle remodelling in Portopulmonary hypertension

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a clinical condition associated with end-stage liver disease, described by the coexistence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and portal hypertension. In PoPH patients, there is a right ventricle (RV) remodeling to compensate for the increased resistance in the lung circulation. There are no studies on the effects of the PAH-targeted pharmacological treatment on the RV dimension and function. The present study summarizes our experience in patients with PoPH treated with sildenafil in a period of 6 years (from 2013 to 2019). We enrolled 64 consecutive patients identified as PoPH, all treated with sildenafil (57.6% in monotherapy; in the other cases in association with macitentan; in 19.0% with initial combination therapy). A hemodynamic invasive cardiopulmonary study was performed at baseline and after 6 months of sildenafil treatment. In our population we showed a significative improvement in RV performance, with a significant increase in RV stroke volume (+33%), RV ejection fraction (+31%) and RV stroke work index (+17.5%). We registered the reduction of the RV cavity dimension over time in all patients treated with sildenafil (RV end diastolic diameter decreased by 15% after 6 months of follow-up). Regarding diastolic function, we highlighted a very significant reduction in RV end-diastolic pressure (-50% concerning baseline). Sildenafil was effective both when used as monotherapy and in combination with macitentan. In conclusion, Sildenafil had a positive impact on RV systolic and diastolic function in patients with PoPH and was able to conditionate the reverse remodeling of the RV.

Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension: Spectrum and Impact

Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) is a catastrophic complication of one of the most common and devastating autoimmune diseases. Once diagnosed, it becomes the leading cause of mortality among this patient population. Screening modalities and risk assessments have been designed and validated by various organizations and societies in order to identify patients early in their disease course and promptly refer them to expert centers for a hemodynamic assessment and formal diagnosis. Moreover, several large multicenter clinical trials have now included patients with SSc-PAH to assess their response to therapy. Despite an improved understanding of the condition and significant advances in supportive and targeted therapy, outcomes have remained far from optimal. Therefore, rigorous phenotyping and search for novel therapies are desperately needed for this devastating condition.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a marker of mortality in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) database

OBJECTIVES

Study aim was to evaluate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), its association with clinical disease and its predictive ability with mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) database.

METHODS

SSc patients from the EUSTAR database with available items for calculation of eGFR at baseline visit and with a second follow-up visit were included. A cut-off of 60 ml/min was chosen for all SSc patients and 30 ml/min for scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Cox regression and competing risk analysis were performed to evaluate the role of eGFR as predictive factor of mortality.

RESULTS

3650 SSc patients were included. Mean serum level of creatinine and eGFR were 0.8 mg/dl (IQR 0.6-0.9) and 86.6 ± 23.7 ml/min. The eGFR was significantly lower in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Overall survival (OS) was significantly reduced in SSc patients with eGFR <60 ml/min respect to patients with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min [OS at five years 0.763 (CI 95%: 0.700-0.814) vs 0.903 (CI 95%: 0.883-0.919 p< 0.001)]. In multivariable analysis, OS was associate with male gender (p< 0.01), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) (p< 0.001) and eGFR (p< 0.001). Cumulative incidence of deaths due to SSc was associate with increased sPAP (p< 0.001) and reduced eGFR (p< 0.05). OS at five years of 53 SRC patients was not significantly different in SSc patients with eGFR > 30 ml/min or eGFR < 30 ml/min.

CONCLUSION

eGFR represents a predictive risk factor of overall survival in SSc. The eGFR is not a risk factor for death in SRC.

Role of pulmonary arterial capacitance in predicting mortality in patients with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial capacitance or compliance (PAC) has been reported as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension secondary to left heart disease (PH-LHD).

METHODS

We conducted a literature search of PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library databases from July 30th to September 4th, 2020, and identified all the relevant studies reporting mortality outcomes in patients with PAH and PH-LHD. Pooled data from these studies were used to perform a meta-analysis to identify the role of PAC in predicting all-cause mortality in this subset of patients.

RESULTS

Pooled data on 4997 patients from 15 individual studies showed that the mortality risk in patients with PAH and PH-LHD varies significantly per unit change in PAC either from baseline or during follow-up. A reduction in PAC per 1 ml/mmHg was associated with a 4.25 times higher risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI 1.42-12.71; p = 0.021) in PAH patients. Among patients with PH-LHD, mortality risk increased by ~30% following a unit decrease in PAC (HR, 1.29; p = 0.019), whereas an increase in PAC by 1 ml/mmHg lowered the mortality risk by 30% (HR, 0.70).

CONCLUSION

PAC is a strong and independent predictor of all-cause mortality in both patients with PAH and PH-LHD. A decrease in PAC by 1 ml/mmHg from baseline or during follow-up significantly increases the risk of all-cause mortality among both patients with PAH and PH-LHD. Treatment modalities targeted at PAC improvement can affect the overall survival and quality of life in such patients.

Impact of right ventricular work and pulmonary arterial compliance on peak exercise oxygen uptake in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with increased right ventricular (RV) afterload, RV dysfunction and decreased peak oxygen uptake (pVO₂). However, the pulmonary hemodynamic mechanisms measured by exercise right heart catheterization (RHC) that contribute to reduced pVO₂ in idiopathic PAH (IPAH) are not completely characterized. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the exercise RHC determinants of pVO₂ in patients with IPAH.

METHODS

519 consecutive patients with suspected and/or confirmed pulmonary hypertension were prospectively screened to identify 20 patients with IPAH. All IPAH patients were prospectively evaluated with resting and exercise RHC and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

RESULTS

85% of the patients were female; the median age was 34[29-42] years old. At peak exercise, mean pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure was 76 ± 17 mmHg, PA wedge pressure was 14 ± 5 mmHg, cardiac output (CO) was 5.7 ± 1.9 L/min, pulmonary vascular resistance was 959 ± 401 dynes/s/cm⁵ and PA compliance was 0.9[0.6-1.2] ml/mmHg. On univariate analysis, pVO2 positively correlated to peak CO, peak cardiac index, peak stroke volume index, peak RV stroke work index (RVSWI) and peak oxygen saturation. There was a negative correlation between pVO₂ and Δ (rest to peak change) PA compliance. In age-adjusted multivariate model, peak RVSWI (Coefficient = 0.15, Beta = 0.63, 95% CI [0.07-0.22], p < 0.01) and ΔPA compliance (Coefficient = -2.51, Beta = -0.43, 95% CI [-4.34-(-0.68)], p = 0.01) had the best performance predicting pVO₂ (R² = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a load dependent measurement of RV function (RVSWI) and the pulsatile component of RV afterload (ΔPA compliance) significantly influence pVO₂ in IPAH, further highlighting the pivotal role of hemodynamic coupling to IPAH exercise capacity.

Continuous Aerobic Exercise Prevents Detrimental Remodeling and Right Heart Myocyte Contraction and Calcium Cycling Dysfunction in Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) imposes right heart and lung detrimental remodeling which impairs cardiac contractility, physical effort tolerance, and survival. The effects of an early moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise training on the right ventricle and lung structure, and on contractility and the calcium (Ca2+) transient in isolated myocytes from rats with severe PAH induced by monocrotaline were analyzed. Rats were divided into control sedentary (CS), control exercise (CE), monocrotaline sedentary (MS), and monocrotaline exercise (ME) groups. Animals from control exercise and ME groups underwent a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill (60 min/d; 60% intensity) for 32 days, after a monocrotaline (60 mg/kg body weight i.p.) or saline injection. The pulmonary artery resistance was higher in MS than in control sedentary (1.36-fold) and was reduced by 39.39% in ME compared with MS. Compared with MS, the ME group presented reduced alveolus (17%) and blood vessel (46%) wall, fibrosis (25.37%) and type I collagen content (55.78%), and increased alveolus (52.96%) and blood vessel (146.97%) lumen. In the right ventricle, the ME group exhibited diminished hypertrophy index (25.53%) and type I collagen content (40.42%) and improved myocyte contraction [ie, reduced times to peak (29.27%) and to 50% relax (13.79%)] and intracellular Ca2+ transient [ie, decreased times to peak (16.06%) and to 50% decay (7.41%)] compared with MS. Thus, early moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise prevents detrimental remodeling in the right heart and lung increases in the pulmonary artery resistance and dysfunction in single myocyte contraction and Ca2+ cycling in this model.

Effect of riociguat on pulmonary arterial compliance in the PATENT and CHEST studies

Pulmonary arterial compliance is a measure of the pulsatile afterload of the right ventricle. Lower pulmonary arterial compliance is associated with reduced right ventricular function and worse prognosis in pulmonary hypertension. The effect of pulmonary vasodilators on pulmonary arterial compliance has not been evaluated in detail in pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. In this post hoc analysis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in the PATENT and CHEST studies, we evaluated the change in pulmonary arterial compliance with riociguat versus placebo. Association of pulmonary arterial compliance with clinical outcomes was assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Compared with placebo, riociguat significantly improved pulmonary arterial compliance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary arterial compliance at baseline was associated with survival and clinical worsening-free survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension but only with clinical worsening-free survival in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary arterial compliance at follow-up ≥1.6 mL/mmHg was associated with better outcomes than pulmonary arterial compliance <1.6 mL/mmHg. In patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial compliance at follow-up did not predict outcomes. Cox proportional hazards analyses showed no association between change in pulmonary arterial compliance and outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. In conclusion, riociguat improved pulmonary arterial compliance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary arterial compliance at baseline or follow-up, rather than change in pulmonary arterial compliance, is of prognostic importance for outcomes.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a multicentre cohort study from China

OBJECTIVES

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an important cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which remains insufficiently studied and needs attention. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, prognosis and risk assessment of pSS-PAH.

METHODS

We established a multicentre cohort of pSS-PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterisation. The case-control study was conducted with pSS-non-PAH patients as a control group to identify the risk factors for PAH. In the cohort study, survival was calculated, and risk assessment was performed at both baseline and follow-up visits.

RESULTS

In total, 103 patients with pSS-PAH were enrolled, with 526 pSS-non-PAH patients as controls. The presence of anti-SSB (p<0.001, OR 4.095) and anti-U1RNP antibodies (p<0.001, OR 29.518), the age of pSS onset (p<0.001, OR 0.651) and the positivity of corneal staining (p=0.003, OR 0.409) were identified as independent risk factors for PAH. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 94.0%, 88.8% and 79.0%, respectively. Cardiac index (p=0.010, hazard ratio (HR) 0.161), pulmonary vascular resistance (p=0.016, HR 1.105) and Sjögren's syndrome disease damage index (p=0.006, HR 1.570) were identified as potential predictors of death in pSS-PAH. Long-term outcomes were improved in patients in the low-risk category at baseline (p=0.002) and follow-up (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The routine screening of PAH is suggested in pSS patients with early onset and positivity for anti-SSB or anti-U1RNP antibodies. Patient prognosis might be improved by improving reserved cardiopulmonary function, by achieving a damage-free state and especially by achieving low-risk category, which supports the treat-to-target strategy for pSS-PAH.

Echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary arterial capacitance predicts mortality in pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial capacitance (PAC) is one of the strongest predictors of clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). We examined the value of an echocardiographic surrogate for PAC (ePAC) as a predictor of mortality in patients with PH.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 302 patients with PH managed at a PH comprehensive care center over a cumulative follow-up time of 858 patient-years. Charts from 2004 to 2018 were reviewed to identify patients in whom a right heart catheterization (RHC) was performed within two months of an echocardiogram. Standard invasive, non-invasive, functional, and biochemical prognostic markers were extracted from the time of RHC. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to model the time from RHC to the primary outcome or last medical contact.

RESULTS

Variables associated with all-cause mortality included ePAC [standardized hazard ratio (HR) 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.98, p = 0.036], RHC-PAC (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96, p = 0.027), echocardiographic pulmonary vascular resistance (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.60, p = 0.017), six-minute walk distance (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.82, p = 0.01), and B-type natriuretic peptide (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.62, p = 0.027). In multivariable-adjusted Cox analysis, ePAC predicted all-cause mortality independently of age, gender, and multiple comorbidities. There was a graded and stepwise association between low (<0.15 cm/mmHg), medium (0.15-0.25 cm/mmHg), and high (>0.25 cm/mmHg) tertiles of ePAC and all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that ePAC is a readily available echocardiographic marker that independently predicts mortality in PH, and have provided clinically relevant ranges by which to risk-stratify patients and predict mortality.

A comprehensive echocardiographic method for risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension

QUESTION ADDRESSED

Echocardiography is not currently considered as providing sufficient prognostic information to serve as an integral part of treatment goals in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We tested the hypothesis that incorporation of multiple parameters reflecting right heart function would improve the prognostic value of this imaging modality.

METHODS AND MAIN RESULTS

We pooled individual patient data from a total of 517 patients (mean age 52±15 years, 64.8% females) included in seven observational studies conducted at five European and United States academic centres. Patients were subdivided into three groups representing progressive degrees of right ventricular dysfunction based on a combination of echocardiographic measurements, as follows. Group 1 (low risk): normal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and nonsignificant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (n=129); group 2 (intermediate risk): normal TAPSE and significant TR or impaired TAPSE and nondilated inferior vena cava (IVC) (n=256); group 3 (high risk): impaired TAPSE and dilated IVC (n=132). The 5-year cumulative survival rate was 82% in group 1, 63% in group 2 and 43% in group 3. Low-risk patients had better survival rates than intermediate-risk patients (log-rank Chi-squared 12.25; p<0.001) and intermediate-risk patients had better survival rates than high-risk patients (log-rank Chi-squared 26.25; p<0.001). Inclusion of other parameters such as right atrial area and pericardial effusion did not provide added prognostic value.

ANSWER TO THE QUESTION

The proposed echocardiographic approach integrating the evaluation of TAPSE, TR grade and IVC is effective in stratifying the risk for all-cause mortality in PAH patients, outperforming the prognostic parameters suggested by current guidelines.

Predictive Value of Pulmonary Arterial Compliance in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. It is characterized by increased right ventricular afterload which mainly comprises pulmonary arterial compliance (PAC) and pulmonary vascular resistance. The role of PAC in predicting the outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension has not been investigated yet. Between February 2012 to December 2016, 120 consecutive patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension based on right heart catheterization were enrolled, prospectively. Baseline clinical characteristics and hemodynamic assessment were analyzed. Baseline right ventricular afterload was stratified according to the PAC and pulmonary vascular resistance. The end point was a composite of all-cause mortality and clinical worsening. Among them, end points occurred in 49 (41%) patients after 15 months (interquartile range, 8.5-24.0). Patients with a PAC <1.39 mL/mm Hg had a 3.09-fold higher risk (95% CI, 1.54-6.20, P=0.001) of the end point events than the patients with a PAC ≥1.39 mL/mm Hg. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that stratified right ventricular afterload was the only independent predictor for the end point (hazard ratio, 2.009 [95% CI, 1.390-2.904], P<0.001). A 3-group prediction risk was created. The patients with the highest right ventricular afterload (PAC <1.39 mL/mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance ≥10.3Wood Unit) had the highest risk (χ², 6.10; P<0.014) of experiencing the end point. Our results suggest that PAC is a good predictor of mortality and clinical worsening in systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. PAC, in addition to pulmonary vascular resistance, may be an attractive tool for screening high-risk populations in these patients.

Supra-coronary aortic banding improves right ventricular function in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats by increasing systolic right coronary artery perfusion

AIM

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results in right ventricular (RV) dysfunction owing, in part, to RV ischemia. The relative contribution of RV microvascular rarefaction vs reduced right coronary artery perfusion pressure (RCA-PP) to RV ischemia remains unknown. We hypothesize that increasing RCA-PP improves RV function in PAH by increasing RV systolic perfusion.

METHODS

Supra-coronary aortic banding (SAB) or sham surgery was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Seven to ten days later, rats received either monocrotaline (MCT; 60 mg/kg) or saline. After 1 month, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, ^99m Tc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and microsphere infusion studies were performed. The RV was harvested for measurement of hypertrophy (RVH), fibrosis and immunoblotting, and the lung was harvested for pulmonary artery (PA) histology.

RESULTS

Supra-coronary aortic banding increased systolic pressures in proximal aorta and systolic RCA-PP in SAB + MCT vs MCT rats (114 ± 12 vs 5 ± 9 mm Hg), without altering diastolic RCA-PP. SAB + MCT rats had improved RV function vs MCT rats, evident from their significantly increased cardiac output (CO), RV free wall (RVFW) thickening, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV-PA coupling indices. RV-PA coupling indices and CO correlated directly with systolic RCA-PP. RV perfusion was increased in SAB + MCT vs MCT rats and correlated well with CO; whereas microvascular rarefaction was unaltered. SAB + MCT rats had less RVH and fibrosis and lower PA pressures vs MCT rats. SAB + MCT rats had significantly lower RV pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2/1 ratios than MCT rats, consistent with restoration of oxidative metabolism.

CONCLUSION

A SAB-induced increase in systolic RCA-PP improves RV perfusion and function in MCT rats. Maintaining systolic RCA perfusion can preserve RV function in PAH.

Emerging role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in the management of pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a clinical condition characterised by elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) above normal range due to various aetiologies. While cardiac right-heart catheterisation (RHC) remains the gold standard and mandatory for establishing the diagnosis of PH, noninvasive imaging of the heart plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of all forms of PH. Although Doppler echocardiography (ECHO) can measure a range of haemodynamic and anatomical variables, it has limited utility for visualisation of the pulmonary artery and, oftentimes, the right ventricle. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides comprehensive information about the anatomical and functional aspects of the pulmonary artery and right ventricle that are of prognostic significance for assessment of long-term outcomes in disease progression. CMR is suited for serial follow-up of patients with PH due to its noninvasive nature, high sensitivity to changes in anatomical and functional parameters, and high reproducibility. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of CMR derived parameters as surrogate endpoints for early-phase PH clinical trials. This review will discuss the role of CMR in the diagnosis and management of PH, including current applications and future developments, in comparison to other existing major imaging modalities.

Renal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis: An Update

BACKGROUND

Systemic sclerosis is an immune-mediated rheumatic disease characterized by vascular abnormalities, tissue fibrosis and autoimmune phenomena.

SUMMARY

Renal disease occurring in patients with systemic sclerosis may have a variable clinicopathological picture. The most specific renal condition associated with systemic sclerosis is scleroderma renal crisis, characterized by acute onset of renal failure and severe hypertension. Although the management of scleroderma renal crisis was revolutionized by the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, there is still a significant proportion of patients with poor outcomes. Therefore, research on establishing disease markers (clinical, ultrasonographical and serological) and clear diagnostic criteria, which could limit the risk of developing scleroderma renal crisis and facilitate diagnosis of this complication, is ongoing. Other forms of renal involvement in systemic sclerosis include vasculitis, an isolated reduced glomerular filtration rate in systemic sclerosis, antiphospholipid-associated nephropathy, high intrarenal arterial stiffness and proteinuria. Key Messages: Scleroderma renal crisis is the most specific and life-threatening renal presentation of systemic sclerosis, albeit with declining prevalence. In patients with scleroderma renal crisis, it is mandatory to control blood pressure early with increasing doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, along with other antihypertensive drugs if necessary. There is a strong association between renal involvement and patients' outcomes in systemic sclerosis; consequently, it becomes mandatory to find markers that may be used to identify patients with an especially high risk of scleroderma renal crisis.

Reduced RVSWI Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Connective Tissue Disease Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Rationale: The prognosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension is poor, especially amongst patients with connective tissue disease related pulmonary arterial hypertension. Right ventricular contractility is known to be decreased in scleroderma related pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, it is not known whether intrinsic right ventricular dysfunction is seen in a general CTD population. Objectives: In this study of a large cohort of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension with multi-year follow-up, we sought to examine the association of measurements of right ventricular function with survival in connective tissue disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods: Clinical characteristics of a deidentified cohort of 845 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension were compared between patients with and without connective tissue disease. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to examine the survival of patients over more than 4 years. The association between right ventricular stroke work index and mortality was examined in patients with connective tissue disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Measurements and Main Results: Significant differences in the 6-min walk distance, Borg dyspnea index, right ventricular stroke work index, and pulmonary artery pulsatility index were identified between patients with and without connective tissue disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with connective tissue disease had a lower right ventricular stroke work index, which was associated with decreased survival in this group; this association approached significance when adjusting for age and renal function. Conclusions: Right ventricular dysfunction as measured by right ventricular stroke work index is associated with decreased survival in patients with connective tissue disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension despite similar pulmonary vascular resistance. These findings are suggestive of intrinsic right ventricular function in connective tissue disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension that has a negative impact on the long-term survival of these individuals.

Epigenetic Metabolic Reprogramming of Right Ventricular Fibroblasts in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase-Dependent Shift in Mitochondrial Metabolism Promotes Right Ventricular Fibrosis

RATIONALE

Right ventricular (RV) fibrosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension contributes to RV failure. While RV fibrosis reflects changes in the function of resident RV fibroblasts (RVfib), these cells are understudied.

OBJECTIVE

Examine the role of mitochondrial metabolism of RVfib in RV fibrosis in human and experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received monocrotaline (MCT; 60 mg/kg) or saline. Drinking water containing no supplement or the PDK (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase) inhibitor dichloroacetate was started 7 days post-MCT. At week 4, treadmill testing, echocardiography, and right heart catheterization were performed. The effects of PDK activation on mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, RVfib proliferation, and collagen production were studied in RVfib in cell culture. Epigenetic mechanisms for persistence of the profibrotic RVfib phenotype in culture were evaluated. PDK expression was also studied in the RVfib of patients with decompensated RV failure (n=11) versus control (n=7). MCT rats developed pulmonary arterial hypertension, RV fibrosis, and RV failure. MCT-RVfib (but not left ventricular fibroblasts) displayed excess mitochondrial fission and had increased expression of PDK isoforms 1 and 3 that persisted for >5 passages in culture. PDK-mediated decreases in pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and oxygen consumption rate were reversed by dichloroacetate (in RVfib and in vivo) or siRNA targeting PDK 1 and 3 (in RVfib). These interventions restored mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production and inactivated HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1α, which was pathologically activated in normoxic MCT-RVfib. Redox-mediated HIF-1α inactivation also decreased the expression of TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-beta-1) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), reduced fibroblast proliferation, and decreased collagen production. HIF-1α activation in MCT-RVfib reflected increased DNMT (DNA methyltransferase) 1 expression, which was associated with a decrease in its regulatory microRNA, miR-148b-3p. In MCT rats, dichloroacetate, at therapeutic levels in the RV, reduced phospho-pyruvate dehydrogenase expression, RV fibrosis, and hypertrophy and improved RV function. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and RV failure, RVfib had increased PDK1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

MCT-RVfib manifest a DNMT1-HIF-1α-PDK-mediated, chamber-specific, metabolic memory that promotes collagen production and RV fibrosis. This epigenetic mitochondrial-metabolic pathway is a potential antifibrotic therapeutic target.

Pulmonary Vascular and Right Ventricular Burden During Exercise in Interstitial Lung Disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) adversely affects patient's exercise capacity in interstitial lung disease (ILD). The impact of pulmonary vascular and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, however, has traditionally been believed to be mild and clinically relevant principally in advanced lung disease states.

RESEARCH QUESTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative contributions of pulmonary mechanics, pulmonary vascular function, and RV function to the ILD exercise limit.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Forty-nine patients with ILD who underwent resting right heart catheterization followed by invasive exercise testing were evaluated. Patients with PH at rest (ILD + rPH) and with PH diagnosed exclusively during exercise (ILD + ePH) were contrasted with ILD patients without PH (ILD non-PH).

RESULTS

Peak oxygen consumption was reduced in ILD + rPH (61 ± 10% predicted) and ILD + ePH (67 ± 13% predicted) compared with ILD non-PH (81 ± 16% predicted; P < .001 and P = .016, respectively). Each ILD hemodynamic phenotype presented distinct patterns of dynamic changes of pulmonary vascular compliance relative to pulmonary vascular resistance from rest to peak exercise. Peak RV stroke work index was increased in ILD + ePH (24.7 ± 8.2 g/m² per beat) and ILD + rPH (30.9 ± 6.1 g/m² per beat) compared with ILD non-PH (18.3 ± 6.4 g/m² per beat; P = .020 and P = .014). Ventilatory reserve was reduced in ILD + rPH compared with the other groups at the anaerobic threshold, but it was similar between ILD + ePH and ILD non-PH at the anaerobic threshold (0.32 ± 0.13 vs 0.30 ± 0.11; P = .921) and at peak exercise (0.70 ± 0.17 vs 0.73 ± 0.24; P = .872).

INTERPRETATION

ILD with resting and exercise PH is associated with increased exercise RV work, reduced pulmonary vascular reserve, and reduced peak oxygen consumption. The findings highlight the role of pulmonary vascular and RV burden to ILD exercise limit.

Screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a dreaded complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) that occurs in ∼10% of patients. Most individuals present with severe symptoms, significant functional impairment and severe haemodynamics at diagnosis, and survival after PAH diagnosis is poor. Therefore, early diagnosis through systematic screening of asymptomatic patients has the potential to identify PAH at an early stage. Current evidence suggests that early diagnosis and treatment of PAH in patients with SSc may lead to better clinical outcomes. Annual screening may include echocardiography, but this can miss some patients due to suboptimal visualisation or insufficient tricuspid regurgitation. Other options for screening include the DETECT algorithm or the use of a combination of pulmonary function testing (forced vital capacity/diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ratio) and N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels. Symptomatic patients, those with an elevated tricuspid regurgitation velocity on echocardiogram with or without secondary echocardiographic features of PAH, and those who screen positive on the DETECT or other pulmonary function test algorithms should undergo right heart catheterisation. Exercise echocardiography or cardiopulmonary exercise testing, nailfold capillaroscopy and molecular biomarkers are promising but, as yet, unproven potential options. Future screening studies should employ systematic catheterisation to define the true predictive values for PAH.

Screening can detect PAH at an early stage of the disease, which permits earlier medical interventions and may improve outcomes in systemic sclerosis patients.bit.ly/2Q5akGu

Endothelial Cell Mechano-Metabolomic Coupling to Disease States in the Lung Microvasculature

Lungs are the most vascular part of humans, accepting the totality of cardiac output in a volume much smaller than the body itself. Due to this cardiac output, the lung microvasculature is subject to mechanical forces including shear stress and cyclic stretch that vary with the cardiac and breathing cycle. Vessels are surrounded by extracellular matrix which dictates the stiffness which endothelial cells also sense and respond to. Shear stress, stiffness, and cyclic stretch are known to influence endothelial cell state. At high shear stress, endothelial cells exhibit cell quiescence marked by low inflammatory markers and high nitric oxide synthesis, whereas at low shear stress, endothelial cells are thought to "activate" into a pro-inflammatory state and have low nitric oxide. Shear stress' profound effect on vascular phenotype is most apparent in the arterial vasculature and in the pathophysiology of vascular inflammation. To conduct the flow of blood from the right heart, the lung microvasculature must be rigid yet compliant. It turns out that excessive substrate rigidity or stiffness is important in the development of pulmonary hypertension and chronic fibrosing lung diseases via excessive cell proliferation or the endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Recently, a new body of literature has evolved that couples mechanical sensing to endothelial phenotypic changes through metabolic signaling in clinically relevant contexts such as pulmonary hypertension, lung injury syndromes, as well as fibrosis, which is the focus of this review. Stretch, like flow, has profound effect on endothelial phenotype; metabolism studies due to stretch are in their infancy.

Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease characterized by widespread collagen deposition resulting in fibrosis. Although skin involvement is the most common manifestation and also the one that determines the classification of disease, mortality in SSc is usually a result of respiratory compromise in the form of interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pulmonary hypertension (PH). Clinically significant ILD is seen in up to 40% of patients and PH in up to 20%. Treatment with either cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate has been shown to delay disease progression, whereas rituximab and lung transplantation are reserved for refractory cases.

Risk classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension by echocardiographic combined assessment of pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular function

Which combination of clinical parameters improves the prediction of prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains unclear. We examined whether combined assessment of pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular function by echocardiography is useful for classifying risks in PAH. In 41 consecutive patients with PAH (mean age of 48.9 ± 17.3 years, 31 females), a 6-min walk test, pulmonary function test, and echocardiography were performed at baseline and during PAH-specific therapies. The study endpoint was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for PAH and/or right ventricular failure. During a follow-up period of 9.2 ± 8.7 months, 18 patients reached the endpoint. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the ratio of tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient to the time-velocity integral of the right ventricular outflow tract (TRPG/TVI) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) during PAH-specific treatment were independent prognostic predictors of the endpoint. Using cutoff values indicated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, the patients were divided into four subsets. Multivariate analyses by Cox's proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex and body mass index indicated that subset 4 (TRPG/TVI ≥ 3.89 and TAPSE ≤ 18.9 mm) had a significantly higher event risk than did subset 1 (TRPG/TVI < 3.89 and TAPSE > 18.9 mm): HR = 25.49, 95% CI 4.70-476.97, p < 0.0001. Combined assessment of TRPG/TVI and TAPSE during adequate PAH-specific therapies enables classification of risks for death and/or progressive right heart failure in PAH.

Longterm Efficacy and Safety of Monotherapy versus Combination Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis–associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Retrospective RESCLE Registry Study

Objective.

Monotherapy is an option as first-line therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, combination therapy is a beneficial alternative. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of monotherapy versus combination therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)–associated PAH.

Methods.

All patients with SSc-associated PAH from the Spanish Scleroderma Registry (RESCLE) were reviewed. Patients were split into 3 groups: monotherapy versus sequential combination versus upfront combination therapy. The primary endpoint was death from any cause at 1, 3, and 5 years from PAH diagnosis.

Results.

Seventy-six patients (4.2%) out of 1817 had SSc-related PAH. Thirty-four patients (45%) were receiving monotherapy [endothelin receptor antagonist (n = 22; 29%) or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (n = 12; 16%)], 25 (33%) sequential combination, and 17 (22%) upfront combination therapy. A lower forced vital capacity/DLCO in the sequential combination group was reported (2.9 ± 1.1 vs 1.8 ± 0.4 vs 2.3 ± 0.8; p = 0.085) and also a higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure in combination groups (37.2 ± 8.7 mmHg vs 40.8 ± 8.8 vs 46 ± 15.9; p = 0.026) at baseline. Treatment regimen (p = 0.017) and functional class (p = 0.007) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Sequential combination therapy was found to be an independent protective factor (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03–0.51; p = 0.004), while upfront combination therapy showed a trend (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.23–1.97; p = 0.476). Survival from PAH diagnosis among monotherapy, sequential, and upfront combination groups was 78% versus 95.8% versus 94.1% at 1 year, 40.7% versus 81.5% versus 51.8% at 3 years, and 31.6% versus 56.5% versus 34.5% at 5 years (p = 0.007), respectively. Side effects were not significantly different among groups.

Conclusion.

Combination sequential therapy improved survival in our cohort.