Pregnancy in pulmonary arterial hypertension

The Influence of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension In Pregnancy: A Review

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe condition characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular failure. This review examines the intersection of PAH and pregnancy, highlighting the significant physiological, hemodynamic, and hormonal changes that exacerbate PAH during gestation. Pregnancy is contraindicated in PAH patients due to high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality rates. However, some patients choose to continue their pregnancies, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the implications and management strategies. Effective management of PAH in pregnant patients involves individualized treatment plans. Prepartum management focuses on optimizing therapy and monitoring hemodynamic status. Prostacyclin analogs and phosphodiesterase inhibitors are commonly used, though their safety profiles require further investigation. Intrapartum management prioritizes preventing right ventricular failure, utilizing therapies such as intravenous epoprostenol, inhaled iloprost, and inhaled nitric oxide. Managing PAH in pregnancy requires careful planning, continuous monitoring, and tailored therapeutic strategies to navigate the complex interplay of physiological changes and mitigate risks. Future research should focus on elucidating the pathophysiology of PAH during pregnancy and developing safer, more effective treatments to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Evidence and unresolved questions in pulmonary hypertension: Insights from the 5th French Pulmonary Hypertension Network Meeting

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) continues to present significant challenges to the medical community, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The advent of the updated 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines has introduced pivotal changes that reflect the rapidly advancing understanding of this complex disease. These changes include a revised definition of PH, updates to the classification system, and treatment algorithm. While these guidelines offer a critical framework for the management of PH, they have also sparked new discussions and questions. The 5th French Pulmonary Hypertension Network Meeting (Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France, 2023), addressed these emergent questions and fostering a deeper understanding of the disease's multifaceted nature. These discussions were not limited to theoretical advancements but extended into the practical realms of patient management, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in applying the latest guidelines to clinical practice.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pulmonary Hypertension During Pregnancy: A Contemporary Nationwide Analysis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) disproportionately affects women, presenting challenges during pregnancy. Historically, patients with PH are advised to avoid pregnancy; however, recent reports have indicated that the incidence of adverse events in pregnant patients with PH may be lower than previously reported. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in pregnant patients with PH using the National Readmission Database from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. PH was categorized according to the World Health Organization classification. Primary end points include maternal mortality and 30-day nonelective readmission rate. Other adverse short-term maternal (cardiovascular and obstetric) and fetal outcomes were also analyzed. Of 9,922,142 pregnant women, 3,532 (0.04%) had PH, with Group 1 PH noted in 1,833 (51.9%), Group 2 PH in 676 (19.1%), Group 3 PH in 604 (17.1%), Group 4 PH in 23 (0.7%), Group 5 PH in 98 (2.8%), and multifactorial PH in 298 (8.4%). PH patients exhibited higher rates of adverse cardiovascular events (15.7% vs 0.3% without PH, p <0.001) and mortality (0.9% vs 0.01% without PH, p <0.001). Mixed PH and Group 2 PH had the highest prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events in the World Health Organization PH groups. Patients with PH had a significantly higher nonelective 30-day readmission rate (10.4% vs 2.3%) and maternal adverse obstetric events (24.2% vs 9.1%) compared with those without PH (p <0.001) (Figure 1). In conclusion, pregnant women with PH had significantly higher adverse event rates, including in-hospital maternal mortality (85-fold), compared with those without PH.

Peripartum Pharmacotherapy: A Pharmacist's Guide

Complications throughout the peripartum period may be caused by preexisting conditions or pregnancy-induced conditions and may alter pharmacotherapy management. Pharmacotherapy management during late pregnancy and delivery requires careful consideration due to changing hormones, hemodynamic status, and pharmacokinetics, and concerns for potential maternal and/or fetal morbidity. Increased maternal and fetal monitoring are often required and may lead to therapy changes. Pharmacists, as key members of the interprofessional team, can contribute essential perspective to the management of postpartum pharmacotherapy through assessment and recommendation of appropriate and judicious use of medications.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Women

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare devastating disease characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Females have a higher incidence of PAH, which is reflected globally across registries in the United States, Europe, and Asia. However, despite female predominance, women had better outcomes compared with male patients, a finding that has been labeled the "estrogen paradox." Special considerations should be given to women with PAH regarding sexual health, contraception, family planning, and treatment before, during, and after pregnancy. Pregnant women with PAH should be referred to a pulmonary hypertension care center; a multidisciplinary team approach is recommended, and Cesarean section is the preferred mode of delivery. While pregnancy outcomes have improved over the years with PAH-specific therapy, pregnancy portends a high-risk for those with PAH. Continued research is needed to tailor PAH treatment for women.

Case report: Extracorporeal life support as a successful bridge to recovery in an incident case of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) due to vascular remodeling of the small pulmonary arteries. In advanced RV failure or severe hypoxemia, extra corporeal life support (ECLS) is now to be considered, with the objective to bridge patients back to their baseline clinical state while waiting or right after lung transplantation, or bridge to pharmacological optimization of PAH (i.e., bridge to recovery). We describe herein a case of a 30-year-old woman (gravida 6, para 6) with an incident case of heritable PAH revealed by refractory hypoxemia. Despite the use of mechanical ventilation and fluid optimization, the patient remained profoundly hypoxemic. ECLS was then initiated to avoid tissue hypoxia. The mechanical option chosen was peripheral femoro-femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygen (VA-ECMO), percutaneously implanted. Due to the absence of evidence of chronic respiratory disease or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, this severe pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension was attributed to PAH. Therefore, epoprostenol infusion and an association of oral treatments (bosentan and tadalafil) were administered. A dramatic improvement was observed, allowing decannulation 7 days after the initiation of pharmacological treatment. After 29 days, the patient was discharged from the hospital with epoprostenol, bosentan, and tadalafil. The assessment has been completed by positive research on mutations (c.741C > G, p.Tyr247) corresponding to a loss of function of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) gene. The final diagnosis was heritable PAH. The use of ECLS has been well demonstrated in patients with PAH complicated by acute RV failure or refractory hypoxemia in the "bridge-to-transplantation" strategy. Only a few reports have described the use of ECLS as a "bridge-to-recovery" with PAH drugs in untreated or undertreated PAH patients, but none has described such a rapid improvement with resolution of refractory hypoxemia. More studies are needed to assess the benefits and limitations of the "bridge-to-recovery" strategy and to identify the patients most likely to benefit from it.

Treatment and practical considerations of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a complication of diabetes that can lead to kidney failure. Over the years, several drugs have been developed to combat this disease. In the early 90s, angiotensin blockade (ACEi and ARBs) was introduced, which revolutionized the treatment of DKD. In recent years, newer drugs such as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, endothelin antagonists, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) have shown great promise in reducing albuminuria and protecting the kidneys. These drugs are being used in combination with lifestyle modifications, patient education, and risk factor modification to effectively manage DKD. In this review, we will explore the latest pharmacological options, their efficacy, and their potential to revolutionize the management of this debilitating disease.

Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare pulmonary vascular disease characterized by progressive pulmonary arterial remodeling, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular dysfunction, and reduced survival. Effective therapies have been developed that target three pathobiologic pathways in PAH: nitric oxide, endothelin-1, and prostacyclin. Approved therapies for PAH include phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogs, and prostacyclin receptor agonists. Management of PAH in the modern era incorporates multidimensional risk assessment to guide the use of these medications. For patients with PAH and without significant comorbidities, current guidelines recommend two oral medications (phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor and endothelin receptor antagonist) for low- and intermediate-risk patients, with triple therapy including a parenteral prostacyclin to be considered in those at high or intermediate-high risk. Combination therapy may be poorly tolerated and less effective in patients with PAH and cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Thus, a single-agent approach with individualized decisions to add-on other PAH therapies is recommended in older patients and those with significant comorbid conditions. Management of PAH is best performed in multidisciplinary teams located in experienced centers. Other core pillars of PAH management include supportive and adjunctive treatments including oxygen, diuretics, rehabilitation, and anticoagulation in certain patients. Patients with PAH who progress despite optimal treatment or who are refractory to best medical care should be referred for lung transplantation, if eligible. Despite considerable progress, PAH is often fatal and new therapies that reverse the disease and improve outcomes are desperately needed.

Sex-biased TGFβ signalling in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare cardiovascular disorder leading to pulmonary hypertension and, often fatal, right heart failure. Sex differences in PAH are evident, which primarily presents with a female predominance and increased male severity. Disturbed signalling of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family and gene mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) are risk factors for PAH development, but how sex-specific cues affect the TGFβ family signalling in PAH remains poorly understood. In this review, we aim to explore the sex bias in PAH by examining sex differences in the TGFβ signalling family through mechanistical and translational evidence. Sex hormones including oestrogens, progestogens, and androgens, can determine the expression of receptors (including BMPR2), ligands, and soluble antagonists within the TGFβ family in a tissue-specific manner. Furthermore, sex-related genetic processes, i.e. Y-chromosome expression and X-chromosome inactivation, can influence the TGFβ signalling family at multiple levels. Given the clinical and mechanistical similarities, we expect that the conclusions arising from this review may apply also to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare vascular disorder affecting the TGFβ signalling family pathway. In summary, we anticipate that investigating the TGFβ signalling family in a sex-specific manner will contribute to further understand the underlying processes leading to PAH and likely HHT.

2022 Chinese guideline for the management of pregnancy and reproduction in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prevalent autoimmune disease predominantly affecting women of childbearing age, presents ongoing challenges despite notable advances in diagnosis and treatment. Although survival rates for SLE patients have significantly improved, pregnancy continues to pose a considerable obstacle. Addressing this critical need for enhanced reproductive and prenatal care, there is a pressing imperative to establish standardized protocols for peri-gestational monitoring and treatment in SLE patients. This guideline is jointly sponsored by the National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), the Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), and the Chinese Research Committee of Pregnancy and Reproduction in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (CHOPARD). Thirteen pertinent clinical questions have been generated through several rounds of rigorous clinical and methodological expert discussions and selections for a comprehensive understanding of key aspects in this domain. Guided by thorough examination of research evidence and expert perspectives, the formulated recommendations aim to optimize pregnancy success rates, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and ultimately enhance the overall well-being of SLE patients.

Outcomes of pregnancy in women with different types of pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered to increase maternal and fetal risk, and we attempt to explore pregnancy outcomes in women with different types of PH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of pregnant women with PH who were admitted to Anzhen Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019, and followed up on these parturients and their offspring.

RESULTS

Three hundred and sixty-six pregnant women with PH were collected, including 265 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with congenital heart disease (CHD), 65 PH caused by left heart disease, 12 idiopathic PH, and 24 PH associated with other diseases. Maternal mean age was 28.4 ± 4.4 years and 72.1% were nulliparous. The estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure was < 50 mmHg in 40.2% of patients, 50-70 mmHg in 23.2%, and > 70 mmHg in 36.6%. In more than 94% of women, a diagnosis of PH was made before pregnancy. During pregnancy, heart failure occurred in 15% of patients. Cesarean section was performed in 90.5% (20.4% emergency). Complications included fetal mortality (0.5%), preterm delivery (40.4%), and low birth weight (37.7%). A total of 20 mothers died (5.5%). The highest mortality rate was found in patients with idiopathic PH (4/12, 33.3%). A total of 12 children died (3.3%), 5 (1.4%) of them after discharge from the hospital, and 7 (1.9%) were in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most of these women are fertile, PH does increase maternal and fetal risk. Women with idiopathic PH and Eisenmenger syndrome are not recommended to have children.

The use of selexipag, a prostacyclin receptor analog, for treatment of severe pulmonary artery hypertension during pregnancy, a case report

Pregnancy in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Despite the risks, more patients with PAH are becoming pregnant. Case reports and case series have described the use of IV epoprostenol in these patients with some success. However, there are no published reports regarding the use of oral prostacyclins and prostacyclin receptor agonists in pregnancy. We describe the use of selexipag, an oral prostacyclin receptor agonist, for treating severe PAH during pregnancy in a patient who refused IV prostacyclin therapy. She remained stable throughout pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby girl; however, she died 13 days after her delivery by cesarean section due to developing worsening heart failure. While there is data and support for IV prostacyclins in pregnancy, patients may opt for oral formulations, like in our case. Registry data on the use of oral prostacyclins and prostacyclin receptor agonists in pregnancy may help improve patient outcomes.

The role of the pregnancy heart team in clinical practice

Significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality risk has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease in pregnancy. Several determinants, such as the increasing number of females with corrected congenital heart disease in reproductive age, a more advanced maternal age associated with cardiovascular risk factors, and a greater prevalence of preexisting comorbidities related to cardiac disorders such as cancer and COVID-19), lead to a higher incidence of cardiac complications in pregnancy in the last few decades. However, adopting a multidisciplinary strategy may influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. This review aims at assessing the role of the Pregnancy Heart Team, which should ensure careful pre-pregnancy counseling, pregnancy monitoring, and delivery planning for both congenital and other cardiac or metabolic disorders, addressing several emerging aspects in the multidisciplinary team-based approach.

Pregnancy in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Light of New ESC Guidelines on Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is defined as an elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of >20 mmHg together with a pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) of ≤15 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of>2 Wood units (WU). Although the total mortality of pregnant women with PAH has decreased significantly in recent years and is reported to be around 12% in some databases, total mortality is still at an unacceptably high percentage. Moreover, some subgroups, such as patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome, have a particularly high mortality rate of up to 36%. Pregnancy in patients with PAH is contraindicated; its appearance is an indication for a planned termination. Education of patients with PAH, including counseling on effective contraception, is essential. During pregnancy, blood volume, heart rate, and cardiac output increase, while PVR and systemic vascular resistance decrease. The hemostatic balance is shifted towards hypercoagulability. Among PAH-specific drugs, the use of inhaled or intravenous prostacyclins, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers (in patients with preserved vasoreactivity) is acceptable. Endothelin receptor antagonists and riociguat are contraindicated. Childbirth can take place through either vaginal delivery or caesarean section; similarly, neuraxial and general anesthesia have proven indications. In a situation where all pharmacological options have been used in pregnant or postpartum patients in a serious condition, veno-arterial ECMO is a useful therapeutic option. For PAH patients who want to become mothers, an option that does not endanger their lives is adoption.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although pregnancy in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is considered high risk and contraindicated, the incidence is rising. It is paramount to understand the pathophysiology and effective management strategies to ensure optimal outcomes for maternal and fetal survival.

RECENT FINDINGS

In this review, we highlight the outcomes of recent case series of PAH patients in pregnancy, with a focus on proper risk assessment and target goals of PAH therapy. These findings support the notion that the pillars of PAH management, including pulmonary vascular resistance reduction resulting in right heart functional improvement, and widening of the cardiopulmonary reserve, should serve as a blueprint for PAH management in pregnancy.

SUMMARY

Multidisciplinary and tailored management of PAH in pregnancy, with emphasis on optimizing right heart function prior to delivery, can result in excellent clinical outcomes in a referral pulmonary hypertension center.

Sex and Gender in Lung Diseases and Sleep Disorders: A State-of-the-Art Review: Part 2

There is now ample evidence that differences in sex and gender contribute to the incidence, susceptibility, presentation, diagnosis, and clinical course of many lung diseases. Some conditions are more prevalent in women, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and sarcoidosis. Some life stages-such as pregnancy-are unique to women and can affect the onset and course of lung disease. Clinical presentation may differ as well, such as the higher number of exacerbations experienced by women with cystic fibrosis (CF), more fatigue in women with sarcoidosis, and more difficulty in achieving smoking cessation. Outcomes such as mortality may be different as well, as indicated by the higher mortality in women with CF. In addition, response to therapy and medication safety may also differ by sex, and yet, pharmacogenomic factors are often not adequately addressed in clinical trials. Various aspects of lung/sleep biology and pathobiology are impacted by female sex and female reproductive transitions. Differential gene expression or organ development can be impacted by these biological differences. Understanding these differences is the first step in moving toward precision medicine for all patients. This article is the second part of a state-of-the-art review of specific effects of sex and gender focused on epidemiology, disease presentation, risk factors, and management of selected lung diseases. We review the more recent literature and focus on guidelines incorporating sex and gender differences in pulmonary hypertension, CF and non-CF bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, restless legs syndrome and insomnia, and critical illness. We also provide a summary of the effects of pregnancy on lung diseases and discuss the impact of sex and gender on tobacco use and treatment of nicotine use disorder.

Hospital admissions for mitral stenosis in pregnancy in the United States: a thirteen-year analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac conditions are a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, significantly exacerbated during the hemodynamic demands of pregnancy. Mitral stenosis in pregnancy (MSp) is rare in the USA however, it has a high risk for maternal complications.

METHODS

We aim to outline the burden of MSp hospitalizations nationally. A retrospective review of HCUP/NIS data from 2002-2014 was conducted.

RESULTS

There were 2014 weighted discharges for both pregnancy and mitral stenosis (MS). Patients diagnosed with MS had a more considerable mean cost per discharge than the comparison group. Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), Atrial Arrhythmias (AA), Stroke, and Heart Failure (HF) were respectively reported in 25.71%, 7.14%, 0.95%, and 19.28% of the discharges. Our study identified a low incidence of MS in the US over the 12-year period; no deaths were identified.

CONCLUSION

Our results substantiate MSp as a risk factor for PH, AA, HF, and stroke in pregnancy. Even though the mortality is low, it is essential that clinicians be aware of this diagnosis due to higher associated morbidity and costs.

The obstetric implications of pulmonary hypertension and lung transplant

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is present when the mean pulmonary artery pressure is elevated to >20 mmHg as determined by right heart catheterization. It is categorized into five groups according to the underlying causes. Its presence is considered a contraindication to pregnancy for which therapeutic termination is usually advised due to grave maternal prognosis and pregnancy outcome. Nevertheless, pregnancies in affected women are increasingly reported, about half of which were unplanned, and two-thirds resulted in live births without increased foetal anomalies, notwithstanding increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, other obstetric complications, and medical comorbidities, when managed under a multidisciplinary team in specialized centres. Successful lung transplant, the ultimate treatment for PH and other progressive lung diseases, restores fertility, and pregnancy is increasingly encountered, but there is a higher risk of graft rejection and mortality, compared with recipients of other organs. Preconception assessment is vital in optimizing maternal and pregnancy outcomes.

Management of pregnant patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pregnant individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have significantly high risks of maternal and perinatal mortality. Profound changes in plasma volume, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance can all increase the strain being placed on the right ventricle, leading to heart failure and cardiovascular collapse. Given the complex network of opposing physiological changes, strict contraception and reduction of hemodynamic fluctuations during pregnancy are important methods of minimizing the risk of maternal mortality and improving the outcomes following pregnancy. In this review, we discuss the recent research progress into pre-conception management and the various therapeutic strategies for pregnant individuals with PAH.

Pregnancy Considerations in the Multidisciplinary Care of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vasoconstrictive disease of the distal pulmonary vasculature resulting in adverse right heart remodeling. Pregnancy in PAH patients is associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality as well as neonatal and fetal complications. Pregnancy-associated changes in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, hormonal, and thrombotic systems challenge the complex PAH physiology. Due to the high risks, patients with PAH are currently counseled against pregnancy based on international consensus guidelines, but there are promising signs of improving outcomes, particularly for patients with mild disease. For patients who become pregnant, multidisciplinary care at a PAH specialist center is needed for peripartum monitoring, medication management, delivery, postpartum care, and complication management. Patients with PAH also require disease-specific counseling on contraception and breastfeeding. In this review, we detail the considerations for reproductive planning, pregnancy, and delivery for the multidisciplinary care of a patient with PAH.

Pregnancy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a female predominant disease, carries a high maternal and fetal mortality in pregnancy despite improved insight and the development of novel therapies. The high risk is attributed to the adaptive changes that take place to promote healthy fetal development during pregnancy, which can adversely affect the already compromised right ventricle in patients with PAH. While in the prior era emphasis was placed on termination of pregnancy, here we will illustrate through a multidisciplinary approach and meticulous planning at an expert center, these high-risk women can undergo successful childbirth.

Predictors of Maternal Death Among Women With Pulmonary Hypertension in China From 2012 to 2020: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Background

Previous studies have suggested that pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have high maternal mortality. However, indexes or factors that can predict maternal death are lacking.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed pregnant women with PH admitted for delivery from 2012 to 2020 and followed them for over 6 months. The patients were divided into two groups according to 10-day survival status after delivery. Predictive models and predictors for maternal death were identified using four machine learning algorithms: naïve Bayes, random forest, gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and support vector machine.

Results

A total of 299 patients were included. The most frequent PH classifications were Group 1 PH (73.9%) and Group 2 PH (23.7%). The mortality within 10 days after delivery was 9.4% and higher in Group 1 PH than in the other PH groups (11.7 vs. 2.6%, P = 0.016). We identified 17 predictors, each with a P-value < 0.05 by univariable analysis, that were associated with an increased risk of death, and the most notable were pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), platelet count, red cell distribution width, N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and albumin (all P < 0.01). Four prediction models were established using the candidate variables, and the GBDT model showed the best performance (F1-score = 66.7%, area under the curve = 0.93). Feature importance showed that the three most important predictors were NT-proBNP, PASP, and albumin.

Conclusion

Mortality remained high, particularly in Group 1 PH. Our study shows that NT-proBNP, PASP, and albumin are the most important predictors of maternal death in the GBDT model. These findings may help clinicians provide better advice regarding fertility for women with PH.

Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease in Beijing, China: a retrospective study

As pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH‐CHD) may increase maternal and fetal risk, this study explored the pregnancy outcomes of Chinese women with PAH‐CHD. The clinical data of pregnant women with PAH‐CHD admitted to the Beijing Anzhen Hospital from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed; these patients and their offspring were followed up, with a mean period of 5.9 ± 2.7 years. Overall, 260 patients with PAH‐CHD were included. The mean maternal age was 27.7 ± 4.1 years, and 205 (78.8%) patients were nulliparous. The estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 40–50 mmHg in 34.6% of the patients, 50–70 mmHg in 23.1%, and >70 mmHg in 42.3%. More than 96% of patients were diagnosed with PAH‐CHD before pregnancy. During pregnancy, heart failure occurred in 19.2% of the patients. Cesarean delivery was performed in 88.1% (15.0% emergency) of the patients. Complications included fetal distress (5.8%), preterm delivery (34.2%), and low birth weight (33.8%). A total of 15 mothers (5.8%) died, with the highest mortality rate in those with Eisenmenger syndrome (10/43, 23.3%), and 10 offspring died (3.8%), two (0.8%) following hospital discharge and eight (3.1%) while in hospital. Although most pregnant women with PAH‐CHD were able to have children, PAH increased the maternal and fetal risk. Thus, an individualized risk‐based approach with shared decision‐making may be more appropriate in pregnant women with PAH‐CHD.

Pregnancy in Congenital Heart Disease, Complicated by Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension—A Challenging Issue for the Pregnant Woman, the Foetus, and Healthcare Professionals

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy and delivery in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) carry a very high risk for maternal and foetal complications and are contraindicated according to the guidelines. In the last decades, when an available modern PAH-targeted medication therapy and a new management concept improved patients’ well-being and survival, some PAH-CHD females decided to conceive. Of note, despite advanced treatment and modern healthcare system possibilities, dealing with pregnancy in a diverse PAH-CHD population is still challenging. The study aimed to share our experience with PAH-CHD pregnancies and discuss the risk assessment and current management of these patients with the combination of two rare diseases. Materials and Methods: The retrospective search of pulmonary hypertension and adult CHD registries in our hospital was performed, selecting all patients with CHD and PAH who conceived pregnancy from 2013 to 2021. Baseline demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected. Results: Thirteen pregnancies in eight patients with PAH-CHD resulted in seven live births, three miscarriages, and three terminations. Five women were diagnosed with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) and three with residual PAH after CHD repair. Before pregnancy, half of them were in WHO functional class III. Seven (87.5%) patients received targeted PAH treatment with sildenafil during pregnancy. In addition, the two most severe cases were administered with iloprost during peripartum. Three ES patients delivered preterm by Caesarean section under general anaesthesia. No neonatal mortality was reported. Maternal complications were observed in half of our cases. One patient died 12 days after the delivery in another hospital due to deterioration of heart failure. Conclusions: On the basis of our clinical experience, we conclude that pregnancy and delivery carry a high risk for maternal complications and should be avoided in women with PAH-CHD. The individualised approach of multidisciplinary care and appropriate monitoring are mandatory in reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.

Targeting Myadm to Intervene Pulmonary Hypertension on Rats Before Pregnancy Alleviates the Effect on Their Offspring's Cardiac-Cerebral Systems

Pregnancy with pulmonary hypertension (PH) seriously threatens the life and safety of mothers and infants. Here, the long-term effect of maternal PH on the postpartum growth of rat offspring was focused for the first time, as well as explored the role of Myadm in PH rats before pregnancy based upon the previous findings. Patients with PH are prone to hypoxemia, leading to insufficient placental structure and function, which affects the organ function of fetuses, followed by evidence that differently expressed genes (DEGs) existed in the heart of maternal PH newborn rats and enriched in pathways related to cardiac and nerve development on human infants with similar birth outcome: low birth weight (LBW). LBW was one of the possible birth outcomes of pregnancy with PH, especially severe PH, accompanied by evidence that offspring derived from mothers with PH presented lower birth weights and slower growth rates than those derived from normal control mothers in a rat model. Besides, maternal PH rat offspring showed cardiac remodeling and a significant elevation of the expression levels of hypoxia- and inflammation-related markers in the cerebral cortex at both 10 and 14 weeks of age, respectively. What is more, the previous studies found that the overexpression of Myadm could result in the remodeling of the pulmonary artery. And targeting Myadm to intervene PH before pregnancy could alleviate sustained low weight growth in maternal PH rat offspring, and the pathological changes of the cardiac–cerebral system caused by maternal PH, including enlarged right heart cavity, loss of cardiomyocytes, abnormal heart index, as well as cerebral cortex hypoxia and the inflammatory state as they grew up to a certain extent. The findings show the pathological significance of maternal PH on offspring growth and the cardiac–cerebral development in a rat model, as well as point out the potential treatment target, which may provide a further reference for pregnancy outcomes in women with PH and healthy development of offspring to some extent.

A case report of a 37-year-old woman with pulmonary arterial hypertension first presented during her 3rd pregnancy and favourable long-term vasoreactive response

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease associated with high rates of mortality and can significantly complicate pregnancy posing health risks for the mother and child alike.

Case summary

We present the case of a 37-year-old female patient with World Health Organisation functional Class IV symptoms during the 34th week of her 3rd pregnancy. Initial echocardiography showed a significantly elevated estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 86 mmHg + central vein pressure as well as signs of chronic pulmonary hypertension. After a successful emergent caesarean section, pulmonary hypertension was confirmed via right heart catheterization. After exclusion of secondary aetiologies of pulmonary hypertension, the diagnosis of Class 1 pulmonary artery hypertension was made. We initially treated the patient with the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil (20 mg oral bid trice daily) and later extended the medication with the dual endothelin receptor antagonist Macicentan (10 mg daily). Since the patient remained symptomatic vasodilator testing was performed and showed a significant response to intravenous Epoprostenol. We initiated a high-dose calcium channel blocker (CCB) therapy with amlodipine (20 mg daily) which led to symptomatic relief, increased exercise capacity as well as reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance as confirmed by another right heart catheterization after therapy initiation.

Discussion

Since the presentation is usually non-specific, the diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension can be challenging and cause a delay in treatment initiation. Even though rare vasodilator testing and invasive haemodynamic measurements should be performed to identify patients with favourable long-term response to high-dose CCB.

Reproductive Issues and Pregnancy Implications in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease that can influence reproductive health. SSc has a strong female predominance, and the disease onset can occur during fertility age in almost 50% of patients. Preconception counseling, adjustment of treatment, and close surveillance during pregnancy by a multidisciplinary team, are key points to minimize fetal and maternal risks and favor successful pregnancy outcomes. The rates of spontaneous pregnancy losses are comparable to those of the general obstetric population, except for patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and severe internal organ involvement who may carry a higher risk of abortion. Preterm birth can frequently occur in women with SSc, as it happens in other rheumatic diseases. Overall disease activity generally remains stable during pregnancy, but particular attention should be paid to women with major organ disease, such as renal and cardiopulmonary involvement. Women with such severe involvement should be thoroughly informed about the risks during pregnancy and possibly discouraged from getting pregnant. A high frequency of sexual dysfunction has been described among SSc patients, both in females and in males, and pathogenic mechanisms of SSc may play a fundamental role in determining this impairment. Fertility is overall normal in SSc women, while no studies in the literature have investigated fertility in SSc male patients. Nevertheless, some considerations regarding the impact of some immunosuppressive drugs should be done with male patients, referring to the knowledge gained in other rheumatic diseases.

Inter-Specialty Controversies on the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases during Pregnancy: A Questionnaire Study

Background and Objectives: Management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) during pregnancy is challenging and usually requires eminence-based decisions due to limited strong-evidence data in this field. The purpose of our study was to compare the attitudes of anaesthesiologists, cardiologists, and gynaecologists towards the diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening CVDs during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was performed among 111 doctors (55 anaesthesiologists, 36 cardiologists, 20 gynaecologists). Personal opinions on the recommendations (n = 19) regarding rare, potentially life-threatening CVDs during pregnancy were recorded using a five-item Likert scale. Results: Opinions regarding eight statements (42%) varied substantially between specialties (p < 0.05). The most distinctive differences between physicians concerned the following recommendations: “thrombolysis should only be used in pulmonary embolism with cardiogenic shock” (agree: 52.7% of anaesthesiologists, 80.4% of cardiologists, 25.0% of gynaecologists; p < 0.001); “women with the antiphospholipid syndrome should restart treatment with vitamin K antagonists from the second trimester of pregnancy” (agree: 12.7% of anaesthesiologists, 69.4% of cardiologists, 20.0% of gynaecologists; p < 0.001); “women with symptomatic pulmonary hypertension should have a Swan–Ganz catheter inserted for labour” (agree: 20.0% of anaesthesiologists, 11.1% of cardiologists, 55.0% of gynaecologists; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Physicians’ opinions regarding diagnostics and treatment of CVDs in pregnancy remain controversial. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to ensure the safety and effectiveness of management in these unique medical conditions.

Atoh8 in Development and Disease

Atoh8 belongs to a large superfamily of transcriptional regulators called basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins. bHLH proteins have been identified in a wide range of organisms from yeast to humans. The members of this special group of transcription factors were found to be involved not only in embryonic development but also in disease initiation and its progression. Given their importance in several fundamental processes, the translation, subcellular location and turnover of bHLH proteins is tightly regulated. Alterations in the expression of bHLH proteins have been associated with multiple diseases also in context with Atoh8 which seems to unfold its functions as both transcriptional activator and repressor. Like many other bHLH transcription factors, so far, Atoh8 has also been observed to be involved in both embryonic development and carcinogenesis where it mainly acts as tumor suppressor. This review summarizes our current understanding of Atoh8 structure, function and regulation and its complex and partially controversial involvement in development and disease.

Multidisciplinary Team Managements and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension During the Perinatal Period

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients with pregnancy have high maternal mortality. This study aimed to provide clinical evidence with multidisciplinary team (MDT) management and to evaluate the clinical outcomes in PAH patients during the perinatal period.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of PAH patients pregnant at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between May 2015 and May 2021.

Results: Twenty-two patients (24 pregnancies) were included in this study and received MDT management, and 21 pregnancies chose to continue pregnancy with cesarean section. Nine (37.5%) were first-time pregnancies at 27.78 ± 6.16 years old, and 15 (62.5%) were multiple pregnancies at 30.73 ± 3.71 years old. The average gestational week at hospitalization and delivery were 29.38 ± 8.63 weeks and 32.37 ± 7.20 weeks, individually. Twenty-one (87.5%) pregnancies received single or combined pulmonary vasodilators. The maternal survival rate of PAH patients reached 91.7%. Fifteen (62.5%) pregnancies were complicated with severe adverse events. Patients with complicated adverse events showed lower percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂), lower albumin, lower fibrinogen, higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), higher blood pressure, longer activated partial thromboplastin time, and longer coagulation time. Fourteen (66.7%) pregnancies with cesarean sections were prematurely delivered and 85.7% newborns who survived after the operation remained alive.

Conclusion: The survival rate of parturients with PAH was improved in relation to MDT and pulmonary vasodilator therapy during the perinatal period compared with previous studies. SpO₂, albumin, PASP, blood pressure, and coagulation function should be monitored carefully in PAH patients during pregnancy.

Prediction and prognosis of adverse maternal and foetal/neonatal outcomes in pulmonary hypertension: an observational study and nomogram construction

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have higher mortality rates and poor foetal/neonatal outcomes. Tools to assess these risk factors are not well established.

METHODS

Predictive and prognostic nomograms were constructed using data from a "Development" cohort of 420 pregnant patients with PH, recorded between January 2009 and December 2018. Logistic regression analysis established models to predict the probability of adverse maternal and foetal/neonatal events and overall survival by Cox analysis. An independent "Validation" cohort comprised data of 273 consecutive patients assessed from January 2019 until May 2022. Nomogram performance was evaluated internally and implemented with online software to increase the ease of use.

RESULTS

Type I respiratory failure, New York Heart Association functional class, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [Formula: see text] 1400 ng/L, arrhythmia, and eclampsia with pre-existing hypertension were independent risk factors for maternal mortality or heart failure. Type I respiratory failure, arrhythmia, general anaesthesia for caesarean section, New York Heart Association functional class, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [Formula: see text] 1400 ng/L were independent predictors of pulmonary hypertension survival during pregnancy. For foetal/neonatal adverse clinical events, type I respiratory failure, arrhythmia, general anaesthesia for caesarean section, parity, platelet count, fibrinogen, and left ventricular systolic diameter were important predictors. Nomogram application for the Development and Validation cohorts showed good discrimination and calibration; decision curve analysis demonstrated their clinical utility.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram and its online software can be used to analyse individual mortality, heart failure risk, overall survival prediction, and adverse foetal/neonatal clinical events, which may be useful to facilitate early intervention and better survival rates.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Emerging Principles of Precision Medicine across Basic Science to Clinical Practice

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an enigmatic and deadly vascular disease with no known cure. Recent years have seen rapid advances in our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of PAH, with an expanding knowledge of the molecular, cellular, and systems-level drivers of disease that are being translated into novel therapeutic modalities. Simultaneous advances in clinical technology have led to a growing list of tools with potential application to diagnosis and phenotyping. Guided by fundamental biology, these developments hold the potential to usher in a new era of personalized medicine in PAH with broad implications for patient management and great promise for improved outcomes.

Sex and gender in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterised by pulmonary vascular remodelling and elevated pulmonary pressure, which eventually leads to right heart failure and death. Registries worldwide have noted a female predominance of the disease, spurring particular interest in hormonal involvement in the disease pathobiology. Several experimental models have shown both protective and deleterious effects of oestrogens, suggesting that complex mechanisms participate in PAH pathogenesis. In fact, oestrogen metabolites as well as receptors and enzymes implicated in oestrogen signalling pathways and associated conditions such as BMPR2 mutation contribute to PAH penetrance more specifically in women. Conversely, females have better right ventricular function, translating to a better prognosis. Along with right ventricular adaptation, women tend to respond to PAH treatment differently from men. As some young women suffer from PAH, contraception is of particular importance, considering that pregnancy in patients with PAH is strongly discouraged due to high risk of death. When contraception measures fail, pregnant women need a multidisciplinary team-based approach. This article aims to review epidemiology, mechanisms underlying the higher female predominance, but better prognosis and the intricacies in management of women affected by PAH.

Management of Maternal Complex Congenital Heart Disease During Pregnancy

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to discuss the risk stratification and management of pregnancy in women with complex congenital heart disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Classifying congenital heart defects (CHD) including both anatomy and physiology is important for maternal risk stratification. Although most women with CHD can tolerate the physiological challenge of pregnancy, some may experience serious risks both to their health and that of their foetus. The WHO maternal risk classification model remains the best-validated risk measure. Ideally, women with CHD should have pre-conception assessment with a CHD cardiologist. General principles of management, such as need for expert centre delivery, a multidisciplinary team, epidural and mode of delivery are based on WHO risk in combination with expert assessment of status. CHD is increasingly prevalent in women of child-bearing age. Assessment by an adult CHD cardiologist, ideally pre-conception, is key in assessing and minimising risk to mother and foetus.

Critical care management of pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy: the pre-, peri- and post-partum stages

The mortality rate of pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy is 25%–56%. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is the highest incidence among this group, especially in young women. Despite clear recommendation of pregnancy avoidance, certain groups of patients are initially diagnosed during the gestational age step into the third trimester. While the presence of right ventricular failure in early gestation is usually trivial, it can be more severe in the late trimester. Current evidence shows no consensus in the management and serious precautions for each stage of the pre-, peri- and post-partum periods of this specific group. Pulmonary hypertension-targeted drugs, mode of delivery, type of anesthesia, and some avoidances should be planned among a multidisciplinary team to enhance maternal and fetal survival opportunities. Sudden circulatory collapse from cardiac decompensation during the peri- and post-partum phases is detrimental, and mechanical support such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be considered for mitigating hemodynamics and extending cardiac recovery time. Our review aims to explain the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension and summarize the current evidence for critical management and precautions in each stage of pregnancy.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and pulmonary function testing for predicting the severity of CTEPH

Background

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) are noninvasive methods to evaluate the respiratory and circulatory systems. This research aims to evaluate and monitor chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) noninvasively and effectively by these two methods. Moreover, the research assesses the predictive value of CPET and PFT parameters for severe CTEPH.

Methods

We used data from 86 patients with CTEPH (55 for test set, and 31 for validation set) at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University. The clinical, PFT and CPET data of CTEPH patients of different severity classified according to pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (mm Hg) were collected and compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to appraise the predictive value of each PFT and CPET parameter for severe CTEPH. The performance of CPET parameters for predicting severe CTEPH was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves.

Results

Data showed that minute ventilation at anaerobic threshold (VE @ AT) (L/min) and oxygen uptake at peak (VO₂ @ peak) (mL/kg/min) were independent predictors for severe CTEPH classified according to PAP (mm Hg). Additionally, the efficacy of VE @ AT (L/min) and VO₂ @ peak (mL/kg/min) in identifying severe CTEPH was found to be moderate with the area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.769 and 0.740, respectively. Furthermore, the combination of VE @ AT (L/min) and VO₂ @ peak (mL/kg/min) had a moderate utility value in identifying severe CTEPH with the AUC of 0.843.

Conclusion

Our research suggests that CPET and PFT can noninvasively and effectively evaluate, monitor and predict the severity of CTEPH.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-021-01668-3.

Clinical Conundrum: To Deliver or Not To Deliver a Patient With Pulmonary Edema and Preeclampsia

While admitted for management of hyperemesis gravidarum and preeclampsia, a 29-year-old gravida 1 para 0 patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus developed acute shortness of breath at 24 weeks gestation. Physical examination and chest X-ray findings were consistent with pulmonary edema, which in pregnancy is most often a severe complication of preeclampsia warranting delivery. The case is discussed with respect to diagnosis and management of pulmonary edema and acquired pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy, including timing and mode of delivery. Many case studies and guidelines advise caution when embarking on pregnancy with primary pulmonary hypertension; however, there is little available to guide clinical management when pulmonary hypertension secondary to fluid overload and preeclampsia develops during pregnancy.

Update on the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

In the last decades, important advances have been made in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a severe, progressive, incurable, and potentially fatal disease. For an adequate therapy, correct hemodynamic diagnosis and etiology classification are fundamental. Many etiologies - rheumatic disease, portal hypertension, congenital heart diseases, schistosomiasis - require specific measures, in addition to drug therapy for PAH. The specific therapy for PAH is based on medications that act on three pathophysiological pathways - prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide pathways. These drugs have multiple presentations (oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, and inhaled) and have changed the history of PAH. This review presents an overview of drug therapy strategies and different forms and peculiarities of PAH.

Anesthetic Management of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in Pregnancy

Pregnancy entails significant changes in maternal physiology that are not well-tolerated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The profound changes in plasma volume, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance can lead to increased strain placed on the right ventricle, leading to right-heart failure and cardiovascular collapse. Given the complex and sometimes opposing physiologic changes, managing these patients can be challenging. As such, these patients have a significantly increased reported maternal mortality rate. This report describes a parturient with newly diagnosed severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and her anesthetic management.

Psychological impact of cadaveric dissection on first-year medical students

BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional study was carried out to ascertain if first-time cadaver dissections can cause acute stress disorder (ASD) in medical students, and if death anxiety and gender play a role in the development of these symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 135 first-year medical students at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences and King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan, who had recently conducted their first ever cadaver dissection filled out three scales: the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Appraisal of Life Scale (Revised) (ALS-R) and Death Anxiety Inventory. The results were then calculated via SPSS v.23. Any students with a history of psychiatric treatment or disorder were not included in the study.

RESULTS

Scores on the IES-R showed that the sample suffered from symptoms of ASD (mean = 36.15, standard deviation = 15.99). Multilinear regression showed that death anxiety did not predict any variance on the scores for IES-R, whereas higher scores on the ALS-R threat domain scale predicted higher scores on the IES-R. Death anxiety had little to no impact on the scores for IES-R.

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed that students who perceived the dissection situation as threatening and anxiety inducing were more likely to test positively for ASD symptoms. A major limitation of the study was that it did not measure whether these symptoms reduced with repeated exposure to cadaver dissection or how symptoms changed over time.

Favorable Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Well-Controlled Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction: Since pregnancy in women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality, it is recommended that pregnancy should be avoided in PAH. However, some women with mild PAH may consider this recommendation as unsuitable. Unfortunately knowledge on pregnancy outcomes and best management of PAH during pregnancy is limited. Methods: Data from all women with PAH who were followed during pregnancy by a multidisciplinary team at a tertiary referral center for PAH and who delivered between 2004 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed in a case series. PAH risk factor profiles including WHO functional class (WHO-FC), NT-pro-BNP, echocardiographic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and right heart function were analyzed prior to, during and following pregnancy. Results: In seven pregnancies of five women with PAH (median age 29 (27; 31) years), there were no abortions or terminations. Five pregnancies were planned (all in WHO-FC I-II), two incidental (WHO-FC II, III). During pregnancy none of the women had complications or clinical worsening of PAH. After a median pregnancy duration of 37 1/7 weeks all gave birth to healthy babies by cesarean section in spinal anesthesia. During pregnancy, PAP tended to increase, whilst the course of WHO-FC and NT-pro-BNP were variable and no trend could be detected. Conclusion: Women with PAH with a low risk profile closely followed by a multidisciplinary team had a favorable course during and after pregnancy, resulting in successful deliveries of healthy newborns.

Epoprostenol for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive, and severe disease. Since the first demonstration of survival benefit of intravenous epoprostenol in monotherapy in 1996, prostanoids remain the cornerstone for PAH patients at high risk. This review is essential to understand the current situation of this drug among all the therapeutic possibilities concerning this entity.Areas covered: The aim of this article is to review the pharmacological properties of epoprostenol and to update its clinical evidence in different specific clinical scenarios. A deep literature search was carried out on the MEDLINE database for published literature before March 2021.Expert opinion: Epoprostenol is still the best treatment option for high-risk PAH patients. Nevertheless, there are many unsolved questions: drug dosing, its use in combination therapy with other pulmonary vasodilators, and the utility in PAH associated with connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease, or pulmonary veno-occlusive disease are only a few examples. Its safety and efficacy are supported by clinical trials, observational work, and experience, both as monotherapy and in combination therapy. Epoprostenol should be considered a destination treatment in high-risk patients and not only as a bridge to pulmonary transplantation. However, it remains underused in clinical practice.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy-a systematic review of outcomes in the modern era

Pregnancy is hazardous with pulmonary arterial hypertension, but maternal mortality may have fallen in recent years. We sought to systematically evaluate pulmonary arterial hypertension and pregnancy-related outcomes in the last decade. We searched for articles describing outcomes in pregnancy cohorts published between 2008 and 2018. A total of 3658 titles were screened and 13 studies included for analysis. Pooled incidences and percentages of maternal and perinatal outcomes were calculated. Results showed that out of 272 pregnancies, 214 pregnancies advanced beyond 20 gestational weeks. The mean maternal age was 28 ± 2 years, mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure on echocardiogram was 76 ± 19 mmHg. Etiologies include idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (22%), congenital heart disease (64%), and others (15%). Majority (74%) had good functional class I/II. Only 48% of women received pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific therapy. Premature deliveries occur in 58% of pregnancies at mean of 34 ± 1 weeks, most (76%) had Cesarean section. Maternal mortality rate was 12% overall (n = 26); even higher for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension etiology alone (20%). Reported causes of death included right heart failure, cardiac arrest, pulmonary arterial hypertension crises, pre-eclampsia, and sepsis; 61% of maternal deaths occur at 0–4 days postpartum. Stillbirth rate was 3% and neonatal mortality rate was 1%. In conclusion, pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy continues to be perilous with high maternal mortality rate. Continued prospective studies are needed.