Pulmonary hypertension surveillance: United States, 2001 to 2010

Impact of diabetes mellitus on mortality in pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling and is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although it is independently associated with multiple comorbidities, the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on mortality in patients with PH remains uncertain. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of DM on survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

AIM

To investigate the impact of diabetes mellitus on mortality in pulmonary hypertension patients.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of four major electronic bibliographic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase, and identified 106 relevant studies, out of 1561 articles, published since the year 2000 for full-text review. Fourteen retrospective and prospective cohort studies that compared survival between patients with DM and those without DM in the context of PH were deemed eligible for inclusion in our meta-analysis. The study was registered on PROSPERO with the identifier CRD42023390232.

RESULTS

A total of 116455 patients with PH were included in the meta-analysis, of whom 41228 suffered from DM and 75227 did not. The results of our meta-analysis indicate an elevated mortality rate among PH patients with diabetes mellitus in comparison to those without DM [odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.15–1.70, P = 0.0006]. The meta-regression analysis unveiled a statistically significant negative association between mean age and effect size (coefficient = -0.036, P value = 0.018). Conversely, a statistically significant positive association was detected between female proportion and effect size (coefficient = 0.000, P value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis, which included approximately 116500 PH patients, revealed that the presence of diabetes mellitus was associated with increased odds of mortality when compared to non-diabetic patients. The meta-regression analysis indicates that studies with older participants and lower proportions of females tend to exhibit smaller effect sizes. Clinically, these findings underscore the importance of incorporating diabetes status into the risk stratification of patients with PH with more aggressive monitoring and early intervention to improve prognosis potentially.

Predictors, prevalence and prognostic role of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To estimate the predictors, prevalence and prognostic role of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) using meta-analysis.

METHODS

The PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane library were systematically searched for eligible studies from inception till May 2024. All of pooled analyses were performed using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Fifty observational studies involving 17,558 CKD patients were selected. The prevalence of PH in CKD patients was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33%-43%), and the prevalence according to CKD status were 31% (95% CI: 20%-42%) for CKD (I-V), 39% (95% CI: 25%-54%) for end stage kidney disease (ESKD) (predialysis), 42% (95% CI: 35%-50%) for ESKD (hemodialysis), and 26% (95% CI: 19%-34%) for renal transplant. We noted the risk factors for PH in CKD included Black individuals (relative risk [RR]: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.63; p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.21-1.82; p < 0.001), cardiovascular disease history (RR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.05-2.51; p = 0.030), longer dialysis (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.18-2.46; p = 0.005), diastolic dysfunction (RR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.38-2.55; p < 0.001), systolic dysfunction (RR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.88-4.87; p < 0.001), and grade 5 CKD (RR: 5.64; 95% CI: 3.18-9.98; p < 0.001). Moreover, PH in CKD patients is also associated with poor prognosis, including all-cause mortality, major cardiovascular events, and cardiac death.

CONCLUSION

This study systematically identified risk factors for PH in CKD patients, and PH were associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, patients with high prevalence of PH should be identified for treatment.

The epithelial barrier theory and its associated diseases

The prevalence of many chronic noncommunicable diseases has been steadily rising over the past six decades. During this time, over 350,000 new chemical substances have been introduced to the lives of humans. In recent years, the epithelial barrier theory came to light explaining the growing prevalence and exacerbations of these diseases worldwide. It attributes their onset to a functionally impaired epithelial barrier triggered by the toxicity of the exposed substances, associated with microbial dysbiosis, immune system activation, and inflammation. Diseases encompassed by the epithelial barrier theory share common features such as an increased prevalence after the 1960s or 2000s that cannot (solely) be accounted for by the emergence of improved diagnostic methods. Other common traits include epithelial barrier defects, microbial dysbiosis with loss of commensals and colonization of opportunistic pathogens, and circulating inflammatory cells and cytokines. In addition, practically unrelated diseases that fulfill these criteria have started to emerge as multimorbidities during the last decades. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of diseases encompassed by the epithelial barrier theory and discuss evidence and similarities for their epidemiology, genetic susceptibility, epithelial barrier dysfunction, microbial dysbiosis, and tissue inflammation.

Pulmonary hypertension-related deaths in patients with acute pulmonary embolism in the United States, 2003 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the mortality trends in pulmonary embolism (PE)-related mortality in patients with concomitant pulmonary hypertension (PH) are lacking. We assessed the trends in PE-related mortality in patients with concomitant PH in the United States (US) over the past 2 decades and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) dataset.

METHODS

Mortality data were retrieved from the publicly available CDC WONDER mortality dataset from 2003 to 2020. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), per 100,000 population, were assessed using Joinpoint regression modelling and expressed as estimated average annual percentage change (AAPC) with relative 95% CIs and stratified by urbanicity, sex, age, and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Over the study period, the AAMR for PE/PH-related mortality linearly increased (AAPC: +4.3% [95% CI: 3.7 to 4.9], p < 0.001) without sex differences. The AAMR increase was more pronounced in White individuals (AAPC: +4.8% [95% CI: 4.1 to 5.5], p < 0.001) and in subjects living in rural areas (AAPC: +5.1% [95% CI: 3.8 to 6.4], p < 0.001) compared to those living in urban areas. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a significant excess in PE/PH-related mortality among women, older than 65 years and living in rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of PE/PH-related mortality in the US is increasing. Although the early diagnosis of PH in patients with acute PE has become easier with improved diagnostic modalities, the mortality rate of these patients remains high.

PPARγ/ETV2 axis regulates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary hypertension

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) plays an important role in pulmonary hypertension (PH) but the molecular mechanisms regulating EndoMT remain to be defined. We demonstrate that the axis of the transcription factors PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma) and ETV2 (ETS variant 2) play important roles in the pathogenesis of PH. Decreased levels of the expression of PPARγ and ETV2 along with reduced endothelial and increased EndoMT markers are consistently observed in lungs and pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, in hypoxia-exposed mouse lungs, human PAECs, and in induced-EndoMT cells. Etv2 +/- mice spontaneously developed PH and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), associated with increased EndoMT markers and decreased EC markers. Interestingly, chronic hypoxia exacerbated right ventricular systolic pressure and RVH in Etv2 +/- mice. PPARγ transcriptionally activates the ETV2 promoter. Consistently, while mice overexpressing endothelial PPARγ increases the expression of ETV2 and endothelial markers with reduced EndoMT markers, endothelial PPARγ KO mice show decreased ETV2 expression and enhanced EndoMT markers. Inducible overexpression of ETV2 under induced-EndoMT cell model reduces number of cells with mesenchymal morphology and decreases expression of mesenchymal markers with increased EC makers, compared to control. Therefore, our study suggests that PPARγ-ETV2 signaling regulates PH pathogenesis through EndoMT.

Mortality from pulmonary hypertension in Europe 2001-2019

BACKGROUND

The incidence of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is believed to be on the rise and is associated with poor outcomes.

METHODS

We extracted age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for decedents ≥ 18 years of age from the World Health Organization Mortality Database, using International Classification of Diseases 10th edition codes for PH and PAH, covering the period from 2001 to 2019. The UK and European Union countries with at least 1,000,000 inhabitants and at least 75% of available data points over the study period were included.

RESULTS

Between 2001 and 2019, in countries with available data, the median ASMR for PH increased by + 1.19 per 1,000,000 (+ 22.51%) in females and + 0.36 per 1,000,000 (+ 6.06%) in males. Out of 19 countries, 13 demonstrate an increase in female PH ASMR, and 12 reported an increase in male PH ASMR. In contrast, median PAH ASMR decreased by -0.29 per 1,000,000 (-28.74%) in females and remained relatively unchanged in males, with a minor increase of + 0.01 per 1,000,000 (+ 1.07%). Notably, there was significant inter-country heterogeneity, with countries such as Hungary, Romania, and Poland displaying results incongruous with the rest of Europe.

CONCLUSIONS

While publicly available mortality statistics for PH may be unreliable, these data suggest an overall increase in mortality across Europe from 2001 to 2019. However, mortality from PAH has shown a decrease in females and a modest increase in males. This underscores the urgent need for robust and high-quality mortality reporting, including international registries, for both PH and PAH.

International trends in pulmonary hypertension mortality between 2001 and 2019: Retrospective analysis of the WHO mortality database

Background

There are limited published data on mortality trends in pulmonary hypertension (PH) worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the PH-related mortality and time trends in the general population over the past 20 years.

Material and methods

We used country-level PH mortality data from the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database (2000-19), using the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10) codes (I27.0, I27.2, I27.8, or I27.9). The average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated to describe mortality trends.

Results

Fifty-four countries were included in this study. Between 2017 and 2019, the average age-standardized death rates (per 100,000) were 0.80 and 0.87 for males and females, respectively. Joinpoint analyses revealed a decreasing PH mortality trend for the overall population from 2000 to 2019 (AAPC -3.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) -4.1 to -2.4]), which was consistent between males and females (males: AAPC -5.3 [95% CI -6.2 to -4.4], females: AAPC -1.7 [95% CI -2.4 to -0.9]). When the estimates were stratified by etiology, we found that the mortality rates from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (I27.0) and pulmonary heart disease (unspecified, I27.9) had decreased significantly, while the mortality rates in other secondary PH (I27.2) and other specified pulmonary heart diseases (I27.8) had significantly increased. In addition, there were substantial differences in mortality rates and time trends across countries.

Conclusion

Although an overall decrease in PH mortality trends over the past two decades, there were substantial differences across countries. For countries with high or rising mortality rates, more efforts are needed to reduce the mortality.

Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment improves lung blood flow and pulmonary hypertension in congenital diaphragmatic hernia rats

Pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a critical factor in determining prognosis. We propose that intra-amniotic sildenafil administration is an effective prenatal therapy for CDH-induced pulmonary hypertension. To assess the efficacy of this treatment, we administered sildenafil to nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses and control fetuses via an intra-amniotic injection after a laparotomy on the pregnant dam at either E13.5 or E15.5. Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment attenuated peripheral vascular muscularization, enhanced pulmonary blood flow, and increased the ratio of pulmonary artery size to aortic size in congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses after both E13.5 and E15.5 treatments. E13.5-treated congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses showed a higher and more prolonged expression of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase and more production of vascular endothelial growth factor, resulting in a significant improvement in lung architecture. The E13.5-treated congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetuses also had an increase in lung weight-to-body weight ratio and an improved fetal survival. Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment did not show any detectable negative effects in control fetuses. Intra-amniotic sildenafil treatment for rats attenuates CDH-induced pulmonary hypertension and enhanced peripheral pulmonary blood flow. Moreover, early intervention may be preferable to better accelerate lung development and improve prognosis. Direct sildenafil administration via an intra-amniotic injection may be a promising option in congenital diaphragmatic hernia prenatal therapy.

GATA6 coordinates cross-talk between BMP10 and oxidative stress axis in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening condition characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right ventricular failure and often death. Here we report that deficiency of transcription factor GATA6 is a shared pathological feature of PA endothelial (PAEC) and smooth muscle cells (PASMC) in human PAH and experimental PH, which is responsible for maintenance of hyper-proliferative cellular phenotypes, pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension. We further show that GATA6 acts as a transcription factor and direct positive regulator of anti-oxidant enzymes, and its deficiency in PAH/PH pulmonary vascular cells induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. We demonstrate that GATA6 is regulated by the BMP10/BMP receptors axis and its loss in PAECs and PASMC in PAH supports BMPR deficiency. In addition, we have established that GATA6-deficient PAEC, acting in a paracrine manner, increase proliferation and induce other pathological changes in PASMC, supporting the importance of GATA6 in pulmonary vascular cell communication. Treatment with dimethyl fumarate resolved oxidative stress and BMPR deficiency, reversed hemodynamic changes caused by endothelial Gata6 loss in mice, and inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in human PAH PASMC, strongly suggesting that targeting GATA6 deficiency may provide a therapeutic advance for patients with PAH.

Fluid management in septic patients with pulmonary hypertension, review of the literature

The management of sepsis in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is challenging due to significant conflicting goals of management and complex hemodynamics. As PH progresses, the ability of right heart to perfuse lungs at a normal central venous pressure (CVP) is impaired. Elevated pulmonary vascular pressure, due to pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, opposes blood flow through lungs thus limiting the ability of right ventricle (RV) to increase cardiac output (CO) and maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissue. In sepsis without PH, avoidance of volume depletion with intravascular volume replacement, followed by vasopressor therapy if hypoperfusion persists, remains the cornerstone of therapy. Intravenous fluid (IVF) resuscitation based on individualized hemodynamic assessment can help improve the prognosis of critically ill patients. This is accomplished by optimizing CO by maintaining adequate preload, afterload and contractility. Particular challenges in patients with PH include RV failure as a result of pressure and volume overload, gas exchange abnormalities, and managing IVF and diuretic use. Suggested approaches to remedy these difficulties include early recognition of symptoms associated with pressure and volume overload, intravascular volume management strategies and serial lab monitoring to assess electrolytes and renal function.

Cross-talk between TSC2 and the extracellular matrix controls pulmonary vascular proliferation and pulmonary hypertension

Increased proliferation and survival of cells in small pulmonary arteries (PAs) drive pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Because cell growth mediated by the mTOR-containing mTORC1 complex is inhibited by tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), we investigated the role of this GTPase-activating protein in PAH pathology. TSC2 abundance was decreased in remodeled small PAs and PA vascular smooth muscle cells (PAVSMCs) from patients with PAH or from rodent pulmonary hypertension (PH) models, as well as PAVSMCs maintained on substrates that reproduced pathology-induced stiffness. Accordingly, mice with smooth muscle-specific reduction in TSC2 developed PH. At the molecular level, decreased TSC2 abundance led to stiffness-induced PAVSMC proliferation, increased abundance of the mechanosensitive transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ, and enhanced mTOR kinase activity. Moreover, extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by TSC2-deficient PAVSMCs stimulated the proliferation of nondiseased PA adventitial fibroblasts and PAVSMCs through fibronectin and its receptor, the α5β1 integrin. Reconstituting TSC2 in PAVSMCs from patients with PAH through overexpression or treatment with the SIRT1 activator SRT2104 decreased YAP/TAZ abundance, mTOR activity, and ECM production, as well as inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. In two rodent models of PH, SRT2104 treatment restored TSC2 abundance, attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling, and ameliorated PH. Thus, TSC2 in PAVSMCs integrates ECM composition and stiffness with pro-proliferative and survival signaling, and restoring TSC2 abundance could be an attractive therapeutic option to treat PH.

Pulmonary hypertension mortality trends in United States 1999-2019

PURPOSE

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogenous, often progressive disorder leading to right heart failure and death. Previous analyses show stable PH mortality rates from 1980 to 2001 but increasing from 2001 to 2010 especially among women and non-Hispanic (NH) Black. This study seeks to identify recent trends in PH mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2019.

METHODS

Mortality rates among individuals more than or equal to 15 years of age were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiology Research (WONDER) database. ICD-10 codes were used to identify individuals with PH.

RESULTS

Between 1999 and 2019, PH was included as a cause on 429,105 recorded deaths. The average age-adjusted PH mortality rate was 7.9 per 100,000 individuals and increased by 1.9% per year. Higher age-adjusted mortality rates were experienced by females and NH Black persons. The crude mortality rate was 105.4 per 100,000 among those decedents 85 or older. From 1999 to 2019, mortality in PH and left heart disease co-occurrence increased at nearly double the annual rate of the overall PH group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite therapeutic advances for selected PH subgroups, the overall age-adjusted PH mortality rate increased significantly from 1999 to 2019 and previously reported racial disparities have persisted. These findings emphasize the need for additional study to improve outcomes in PH.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Hypertension After Venous Thromboembolism: An Analysis of a Large Health Care Database

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating potential complication of pulmonary embolism, a manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The incidence of and risk factors for PH in those with prior VTE are poorly characterized.

Methods and Results

International Classification of Diseases ( ICD ) codes from inpatient and outpatient medical claims from MarketScan administrative databases for years 2011 to 2018 were used to identify cases of VTE, comorbidities before the VTE event, and PH occurring subsequent to the VTE event. Cumulative incidence and hazard ratios (HR), and their 95% CI, were calculated. The 170 021 VTE cases included in the analysis were on average (±SD) 57.5±15.8 years old and 50.5% were female. A total of 5943 PH cases accrued over an average follow‐up of 1.94 years. Two years after incident VTE, the cumulative incidence (95% CI) of PH was 3.5% (3.4%–3.7%) overall. It was higher among older individuals, among women (3.9% [3.8%–4.1%]) than men (3.2% [3.0%–3.3%]), and among patients presenting with pulmonary embolism (6.2% [6.0%–6.5%]) than those presenting with deep vein thrombosis only (1.1% [1.0%–1.2%]). Adjusting for age and sex, risk of PH was higher among patients with VTE with underlying comorbidities. Using the Charlson comorbidity index, there was a dose–response relationship, whereby greater scores were associated with increased PH risk (score ≥5 versus 0: HR, (2.50 [2.30–2.71])). When evaluating individual comorbidities, the strongest associations were observed with concomitant heart failure (HR, 2.17 [2.04–2.31]), chronic pulmonary disease (2.01 [1.90–2.14]), and alcohol abuse (1.66 [1.29–2.13]).

Conclusions

In this large, real‐world population of insured people with VTE, 3.5% developed PH in the 2 years following their initial VTE event. Risk was higher among women, with increasing age, and in those with additional comorbidities at the time of the VTE event. These data provide insights into the burden of PH and risk factors for PH among patients with VTE.

Tetramethylpyrazine Improves Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension through the ROS/iNOS/PKG-1 Axis

Background

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a potent anti-free radical and anti-inflammations substance, has been demonstrated to possess a direct vessel relaxation property. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TMP treatment in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and test the hypothesis that TMP prevents or reverses the process of PH.

Methods

Rats (n = 36) injected with 50 mg/kg of monocrotaline (MCT) subcutaneously 4 weeks to develop PH were then randomized to TMP (5 mg/kg per day) for another 4 weeks. Hemodynamics was evaluated via the right ventricle. Pulmonary vessels structural remodeling and inflammation were examined by histologic and transmission electron microscopy observation. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cGMP-dependent protein kinases 1 (PKG-1) was detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidation species was measured by biochemical analyses.

Results

MCT increased PH and right ventricle hypertrophy. TMP alleviated pulmonary arterial pressure elevation, leukocyte infiltration, and structural remodeling of pulmonary arterials induced by MCT successfully. TMP treatment significantly increased the PKG-1 expression and suppressed the iNOS expression. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase (CAT) was significantly higher than control group, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower compared with MCT group.

Conclusion

TMP can suppress established MCT-induced PH through the ROS/iNOS/PKG axis. The underlying mechanisms may be associated with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties in pulmonary arterial.

Dynamic Changes in miR-21 Regulate Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Congenital Heart Disease-Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Right ventricular (RV) failure is a major cause of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but its mechanism remains largely unknown. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is involved in flow-mediated stress in the vasculature, but its effects on RV remodeling require investigations. Herein, we aim to study the mechanism of miR-21 in the early (compensated) and late (decompensated) phases of PAH-induced RV dysfunction. Using aorto-venous fistula (AVS) surgery, we established a rat model of PAH. To mimic the microenvironment of PAH, we treated cardiomyocytes with flow-mediated shear stress in 6 dyne for 3 and 8 h. To evaluate whether miR-21 could be a biomarker, we prospectively collected the sera of patients with congenital heart disease- (CHD) related PAH. Additionally, clinical, echocardiographic and right heart catheterization information was collected. The primary endpoint was hospitalization for decompensated heart failure (HF). It is of note that, despite an initial increase in miR-21 expression in hypertrophic RV post AVS, miR-21 expression decreased with RV dysfunction thereafter. Likewise, the activation of miR-21 in cardiomyocytes under shear stress at 3 h was downregulated at 6 h. The downregulated miR-21 at the late phase was associated with increased apoptosis in cardiomyocytes while miR-21 mimic rescued it. Among 76 CHD-induced PAH patients, 19 who were hospitalized for heart failure represented with a significantly lower expression of circulating miR-21. Collectively, our study revealed that the upregulation of miR-21 in the early phase (RV hypertrophy) and downregulation in the late phase (RV dysfunction) under PAH triggered a biphasic regulation of cardiac remodeling and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

The echocardiographic course of pretransplant pulmonary hypertension following kidney transplantation and associated outcomes

The post 3 kidney transplant course of pretransplant echocardiographically‐defined pulmonary hypertension (PH) was reviewed in 115 patients. Of these 61 patients (the largest cohort reported to date), underwent 160 “for indication” echocardiograms posttransplant (mean echocardiograms per patient: 2.6 ± 2.3). Patients undergoing posttransplant echocardiograms demonstrated greater risks for worse outcomes than those without posttransplant echocardiograms; however, there was no difference in mortality, death‐censored graft failure or the composite of death or graft failure between these two groups. Of patients tested, 36 (59%) showed resolution of PH at a median of 37.5 months. Six patients (16.7%) in whom PH resolved (at a median of 29 months), experienced recurrence of PH after an interval of 48 months. No pretransplant demographic or echocardiographic characteristics distinguished those in whom PH persisted versus resolved. Though there was no difference in the risk for mortality or death‐censored graft loss between the two groups at 3 and 5 years, there was a higher risk for the composite of mortality or graft loss at three but not at five years in the group with persistent PH. In conclusion, echocardiographically defined PH resolved in 59% of patients following kidney transplantation; but irrespective of resolution there was no clear association with worse outcome.

Bull T, Marco TD, McConnell JW, Lammi MR, Thenappan T, P. Feldman J, S. Sager J, B. Badesch D, Ryan JJ, C. Grinnan D, Zwicke D, M. Horn E, Elwing JM, Moss JE, Eggert M, Shlobin OA, P. Frantz R, D. Bartolome S, Mathai SC, Mazimba S, C. Pugliese S, Al-Naamani N. Health-related quality of life and hospitalizations in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension versus idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: an analysis from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry (PHAR)

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare, morbid, potentially curable subtype of pulmonary hypertension that negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Little is known about differences in HRQoL and hospitalization between CTEPH patients and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients. Using multivariable linear regression and mixed effects models, we examined differences in HRQoL assessed by emPHasis-10 (E10) and SF-12 between CTEPH and IPAH patients in the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry, a prospective multicenter cohort of patients newly evaluated at a Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center. Multivariable negative binomial regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) for hospitalization amongst the two groups. We included 461 IPAH patients and 169 CTEPH patients. Twenty-one percent of CTEPH patients underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) before the end of follow-up. At baseline, patients with CTEPH had significantly worse HRQoL (higher E10 scores) (ß 2.83, SE 1.11, p = 0.01); however, differences did not persist over time. CTEPH patients had higher rates of hospitalization (excluding the hospitalization for PTE) compared to IPAH patients after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, WHO functional class and six-minute walk distance (IRR 1.66, 95%CI 1.04-2.65, p = 0.03). CTEPH patients who underwent PTE had improved HRQoL as compared to those who were medically managed, but patients who underwent PTE were younger, had higher cardiac outputs and greater six-minute walk distances. In this large, prospective, multicenter cohort, CTEPH patients had significantly worse baseline HRQoL and higher rates of hospitalizations than those with IPAH. CTEPH patients who underwent PTE had significant improvements in HRQoL.

Curcumin Improves Pulmonary Hypertension Rats by Regulating Mitochondrial Function

Objective

To investigate the role of curcumin in regulating pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) derived from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) model.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats were injected with monocrotaline (MCT) to establish the PAH experimental model. The rats were divided into control group, MCT group, and curcumin group. At the end of the study, hemodynamic data were measured to determine pulmonary hypertension. Proliferation ability of PASMCs, a remodeling indicator of pulmonary artery and right ventricle, was detected. In addition, the morphology and function of mitochondria, antiglycolysis and antiproliferation pathways, and genes were also analyzed.

Results

Curcumin may function by reversing MCT-mediated pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats. Curcumin effectively improved pulmonary vascular remodeling, promoted PASMC apoptosis, and protected mitochondrial function. In addition, curcumin treatment suppressed the PI3K/AKT pathway in PASMCs and regulated the expression of antiproliferative genes.

Conclusion

Curcumin can improve energy metabolism and reverse the process of PAHS. However, there were side effects of curcumin in MCT-induced rats, suggesting that the dosage should be treated with caution and its toxicological mechanism should be further studied and evaluated.

PTEN as a Therapeutic Target in Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Left-heart Failure: Effect of HO-3867 and Supplemental Oxygenation

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition when the pressure in the lung blood vessels is elevated. This leads to increase in thickness of the blood vessels and increases the workload of the heart and lungs. The incidence and prevalence of PH has been on the increase in the last decade. It is estimated that PH affects about 1% of the global population and about 10% of individuals >65 years of age. Of the various types, Group 2 PH is the most common type seen in the elderly population. Fixed PH or PH refractive to therapies is considered a contraindication for heart transplantation; the 30-day mortality in heart transplant recipients is significantly increased in the subset of this population. In general, the pathobiology of PH involves multiple factors including hypoxia, oxidative stress, growth factor receptors, vascular stress, etc. Hence, it is challenging and important to identify specific mechanisms, diagnosis and develop effective therapeutic strategies. The focus of this manuscript is to review some of the important pathobiological processes and mechanisms in the development of PH. Results from our previously reported studies, including targeted treatments along with some new data on PH secondary to left-heart failure, are presented.

Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension on In-Hospital Outcomes and 30-Day Readmissions Following Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of pulmonary hypertension (PH) on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes and 30-day all-cause readmissions by analyzing a national database.

METHODS

We queried the 2014 National Readmissions Database to identify patients undergoing PCI using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. These patients were then subcategorized based on the coded presence or absence of PH and further analyzed to determine the impact of PH on clinical outcomes, health care use, and 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

Among 599,490 patients hospitalized for a PCI in 2014, 19,348 (3.2%) had concomitant PH. At baseline, these patients were older with a higher burden of comorbidities. Patients with PH had longer initial hospitalizations and higher 30-day readmission rates and mortality than their non-PH counterparts. This was largely driven by cardiac causes, most commonly heart failure (20.3% vs 9.0%, P<.001) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Recurrent coronary events (17.5% vs 9.5%, P<.05) including ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction predominated in the non-PH group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with PH undergoing PCI are a high-risk group in terms of mortality and 30-day readmission rates. Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with PH is associated with higher rates of recurrent heart failure and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, rather than recurrent coronary events or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. This perhaps indicates a predominance of demand ischemia and heart failure syndromes rather than overt atherothrombosis in the etiology of chest pain in these patients.

Intensive care unit admission for patients with pulmonary hypertension presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients seeking emergency care, resulting in high acuity presentations and resource utilization. The objective was to characterize the rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission for PH among adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) along with other important clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the State Emergency Department Databases (SEDD) and State Inpatient Databases (SID) from two geographically separated U.S. states (New York and Nebraska). The primary outcome measure was admission to an ICU. Other measures of interest included the hospital admission rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and rate of critical care procedures performed.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2014, in a sample of 34 million ED visits, patients with a diagnosis of PH accounted for 0.71% of all ED visits. Of the PH visits, 20.2% were admitted to the ICU, compared to 2.6% of all other visits (P < 0.001), with an aOR of 1.74 (95% CI 1. 72-1.76). The vast majority (94.6%) of PH patients were admitted to the hospital, compared to 20.5% for all other ED visits (P < 0.001). Hospital LOS and hospital-based mortality were higher in the PH group than for other ED patients. With the exception of invasive mechanical ventilation, a significantly higher percentage of patients with PH admitted to the ICU than other patients underwent all critical care procedures evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients with PH who sought emergency care in U.S. EDs from 2010 to 2014 were significantly more likely to require ICU admission than all other patients. They were also significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital than all other patients, had longer hospital LOS, increased risk of inpatient mortality, and underwent more critical care procedures. These findings indicate the high acuity of PH patients seeking emergency care and demonstrate the need for additional research into this population.

Pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a patient experience study of symptoms and their impact on quality of life

Pulmonary hypertension resulting from chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease is categorized by the World Health Organization as Group 3 pulmonary hypertension. To identify the symptoms and impacts of World Health Organization Group 3 pulmonary hypertension and to capture data related to the patient experience of this disease, qualitative research interviews were undertaken with 3 clinical experts and 14 individuals with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease. Shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, and swelling were the most frequently reported symptoms of pulmonary hypertension due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease, and shortness of breath was further identified as the single most bothersome symptom for most patients (71.4%). Interview participants also described experiencing a number of impacts related to pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension symptoms, including limitations in the ability to perform activities of daily living and impacts on physical functioning, family life, and social life as well as emotional impacts, which included frustration, depression, anxiety, isolation, and sadness. Results of these qualitative interviews offer an understanding of the patient experience of pulmonary hypertension due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease, including insight into the symptoms and impacts that are most important to patients in this population. As such, these results may help guide priorities in clinical treatment and assist researchers in their selection of patient-reported outcome measures for clinical trials in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease.

Macrophage-derived PDGF-B induces muscularization in murine and human pulmonary hypertension

Excess macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) characterize many cardiovascular diseases, but crosstalk between these cell types is poorly defined. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a lethal disease in which lung arteriole SMCs proliferate and migrate, coating the normally unmuscularized distal arteriole. We hypothesized that increased macrophage platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) induces pathological SMC burden in PH. Our results indicate that clodronate attenuates hypoxia-induced macrophage accumulation, distal muscularization, PH, and right ventricle hypertrophy (RVH). With hypoxia exposure, macrophage Pdgfb mRNA was upregulated in mice, and LysM‑Cre mice carrying floxed alleles for hypoxia-inducible factor 1a, hypoxia-inducible factor 2a, or Pdgfb had reduced macrophage Pdgfb and were protected against distal muscularization and PH. Conversely, LysM‑Cre von-Hippel Lindaufl/fl mice had increased macrophage Hifa and Pdgfb and developed distal muscularization, PH, and RVH in normoxia. Similarly, Pdgfb was upregulated in macrophages from human idiopathic or systemic sclerosis-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, and macrophage-conditioned medium from these patients increased SMC proliferation and migration via PDGF-B. Finally, in mice, orotracheal administration of nanoparticles loaded with Pdgfb siRNA specifically reduced lung macrophage Pdgfb and prevented hypoxia-induced distal muscularization, PH, and RVH. Thus, macrophage-derived PDGF-B is critical for pathological SMC expansion in PH, and nanoparticle-mediated inhibition of lung macrophage PDGF-B has profound implications as an interventional strategy for PH.

Newer insights into the pathobiological and pharmacological basis of the sex disparity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects more women than men, although affected females tend to survive longer than affected males. This sex disparity in PAH is postulated to stem from the diverse roles of sex hormones in disease etiology. In animal models, estrogens appear to be implicated not only in pathologic remodeling of pulmonary arteries, but also in protection against right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy. In contrast, the male sex hormone testosterone is associated with reduced survival in male animals, where it is associated with increased RV mass, volume, and fibrosis. However, it also has a vasodilatory effect on pulmonary arteries. Furthermore, patients of both sexes show varying degrees of response to current therapies for PAH. As such, there are many gaps and contradictions regarding PAH development, progression, and therapeutic interventions in male versus female patients. Many of these questions remain unanswered, which may be due in part to lack of effective experimental models that can consistently reproduce PAH pulmonary microenvironments in their sex-specific forms. This review article summarizes the roles of estrogens and related sex hormones, immunological and genetical differences, and the benefits and limitations of existing experimental tools to fill in gaps in our understanding of the sex-based variation in PAH development and progression. Finally, we highlight the potential of a new tissue chip-based model mimicking PAH-afflicted male and female pulmonary arteries to study the sex-based differences in PAH and to develop personalized therapies based on patient sex and responsiveness to existing and new drugs.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Risk factors for 30-day readmission in adults hospitalized for pulmonary hypertension

Readmissions for pulmonary hypertension are poorly understood and understudied. We sought to determine national estimates and risk factors for 30-day readmission after pulmonary hypertension-related hospitalizations. We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmission Database, which has weighted estimates of roughly 35 million discharges in the US. Adult patients with primary International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes of 416.0 and 416.8 for primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension with an index admission between 2012 and 2014 and any readmission within 30 days of the index event were identified. Predictors of 30-day readmission were identified using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for covariates. Results showed that the national estimate for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension vs Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension-related index events between 2012 and 2014 with 30-day readmission was 247 vs 2550 corresponding to a national readmission risk estimate of 17% vs 18.3%, respectively. The presence of fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and alcohol abuse were associated with increased risk of readmission in Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, while factors associated with Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension readmissions included anemia, congestive heart failure, lung disease, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, diabetes, and liver disease. The median cost of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension admissions and readmissions were $46,132 (IQR: $25,384–$85,647) and $41,604.50 (IQR: $22,481.50–$84,420.50), respectively. The median costs of Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension admissions and readmissions were $34,893 (IQR: $19,670–$66,143) and $36,279 (IQR: $19,059–$74,679), respectively. In conclusion, approximately 19% of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension hospitalizations result in 30-day readmission, with significant costs accrued during the index hospitalization and readmission. With evolving clinical terminology and diagnostic codes, future study will need to better clarify underlying factors associated with readmissions amongst pulmonary hypertension sub-types, and identify methods and procedures to minimize readmission risk.

Claims-Based Algorithms for Identifying Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension: A Comparison of Decision Rules and Machine-Learning Approaches

Background

Real‐world healthcare data are an important resource for epidemiologic research. However, accurate identification of patient cohorts—a crucial first step underpinning the validity of research results—remains a challenge. We developed and evaluated claims‐based case ascertainment algorithms for pulmonary hypertension (PH), comparing conventional decision rules with state‐of‐the‐art machine‐learning approaches.

Methods and Results

We analyzed an electronic health record‐Medicare linked database from two large academic tertiary care hospitals (years 2007–2013). Electronic health record charts were reviewed to form a gold standard cohort of patients with (n=386) and without PH (n=164). Using health encounter data captured in Medicare claims (including patients’ demographics, diagnoses, medications, and procedures), we developed and compared 2 approaches for identifying patients with PH: decision rules and machine‐learning algorithms using penalized lasso regression, random forest, and gradient boosting machine. The most optimal rule‐based algorithm—having ≥3 PH‐related healthcare encounters and having undergone right heart catheterization—attained an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.64 (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.48). All 3 machine‐learning algorithms outperformed the most optimal rule‐based algorithm (P<0.001). A model derived from the random forest algorithm achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88 (sensitivity, 0.87; specificity, 0.70), and gradient boosting machine achieved comparable results (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.85; sensitivity, 0.87; specificity, 0.70). Penalized lasso regression achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73 (sensitivity, 0.70; specificity, 0.68).

Conclusions

Research‐grade case identification algorithms for PH can be derived and rigorously validated using machine‐learning algorithms. Simple decision rules commonly applied in published literature performed poorly; more complex rule‐based algorithms may potentially address the limitation of this approach. PH research using claims data would be considerably strengthened through the use of validated algorithms for cohort ascertainment.

Socioeconomic status and survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension

In a publicly funded healthcare system, no evidence of survival disparities across socioeconomic classes among patients with pulmonary hypertension was observed, underscoring the importance of eliminating financial barriers to medical care and treatment https://bit.ly/2Eb1ju2.

Racial disparities and cardiovascular disease: One size fits all approach?

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advancements in prevention, treatment, and management options, cardiovascular diseases contribute to one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Several studies highlight the compelling evidence for the existence of healthcare inequities and disparities in the treatment and management control of cardiovascular diseases.

AIMS

To explore the role of racial disparities in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the role of socioeconomic and cultural factors, and ultimately postulate solutions to eliminate the disparities.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using appropriate keywords on search engines of SCOPUS, Wiley, PubMed, and SAGE Journals.

CONCLUSION

By continued research to eliminate healthcare inequalities, there exists a potential to improve health-related outcomes in minority populations.

Genetic Admixture and Survival in Diverse Populations with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Rationale: Limited information is available on racial/ethnic differences in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).Objectives: Determine effects of race/ethnicity and ancestry on mortality and disease outcomes in diverse patients with PAH.Methods: Patients with Group 1 PAH were included from two national registries with genome-wide data and two local cohorts, and further incorporated in a global meta-analysis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for transplant-free, all-cause mortality in Hispanic patients with non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients as the reference group. Odds ratios (ORs) for inpatient-specific mortality in patients with PAH were also calculated for race/ethnic groups from an additional National Inpatient Sample dataset not included in the meta-analysis.Measurements and Main Results: After covariate adjustment, self-reported Hispanic patients (n = 290) exhibited significantly reduced mortality versus NHW patients (n = 1,970) after global meta-analysis (HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.41-0.87]; P = 0.008). Although not significant, increasing Native American genetic ancestry appeared to account for part of the observed mortality benefit (HR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.23-1.01]; P = 0.053) in the two national registries. Finally, in the National Inpatient Sample, an inpatient mortality benefit was also observed for Hispanic patients (n = 1,524) versus NHW patients (n = 8,829; OR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.50-0.84]; P = 0.001). An inpatient mortality benefit was observed for Native American patients (n = 185; OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.15-0.93]; P = 0.034).Conclusions: This study demonstrates a reproducible survival benefit for Hispanic patients with Group 1 PAH in multiple clinical settings. Our results implicate contributions of genetic ancestry to differential survival in PAH.

Pulmonary Vascular Disease Evaluation with Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Pulmonary vascular assessment commonly relies on computed tomography angiography (CTA), but continued advances in magnetic resonance angiography have allowed pulmonary magnetic resonance angiography (pMRA) to become a reasonable alternative to CTA without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. pMRA allows the evaluation of pulmonary vascular anatomy, hemodynamic physiology, lung parenchymal perfusion, and (optionally) right and left ventricular function with a single examination. This article discusses pMRA techniques and artifacts; performance in commonly encountered pulmonary vascular diseases, specifically pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension; and recent advances in both contrast-enhanced and noncontrast pMRA.

Demographics and Outcomes of Pulmonary Hypertension Patients in United States Emergency Departments

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common, yet under-diagnosed, contributor to morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to characterize the prevalence of PH among adult patients presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (ED) and to identify demographic patterns and outcomes of PH patients in the ED.

METHODS

We analyzed the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database, with a focus on ED patients aged 18 years and older, with any International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD)-9-CM or ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for PH from 2011 to 2015. The primary outcome was inpatient, all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were hospital admission rates and hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2015, in a sample of 121,503,743 ED visits, representing a weighted estimate of 545,500,486 US ED visits, patients with a diagnosis of PH accounted for 0.78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.80%) of all US ED visits. Of the PH visits, 86.9% were admitted to the hospital, compared to 16.3% for all other ED visits (P <0.001). Likewise, hospital LOS and hospital-based mortality were higher in the PH group than for other ED patients (e.g., inpatient mortality 4.5% vs 2.6%, P < 0.001) with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.31-1.37). Age had the strongest association with mortality, with an aOR of 10.6 for PH patients over 80 years (95% CI, 10.06-11.22), compared to a reference of ages 18 to 30 years.

CONCLUSION

In this nationally representative sample, presentations by patients with PH were relatively common, accounting for nearly 0.8% of US ED visits. Patients with PH were significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital than all other patients, had longer hospital LOS, and increased risk of inpatient mortality.

Development of anti-angiogenic erlotinib liposomal formulation for pulmonary hypertension: a QbD approach

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (> 25 mmHg). The development of the non-reversible plexiform lesions on the arterial walls of the pulmonary arteries has evolved as the reason to increase the pressure. The current treatments are directed towards the vasodilation of the pulmonary arteries via the endothelin, prostacyclin, and NO pathways which provides symptomatic relief. Deeper understanding of the disease leads to the various pathophysiological targets that play an important role in the development of PAH. Out of these, the angiogenetic mechanism of the pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells has been proved to play an important role in PAH. Targeted therapies by anti-proliferative drugs may lead to the efficient treatment strategies to the root cause of PAH. Erlotinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which acts on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has shown promising results in clinical trials of PAH. The objective of the work has been the development of liposomal formulation of anti-proliferative drug, erlotinib HCl, via Quality by Design (QbD) approach. The liposomal formulation was developed using thin-film hydration technique and characterised for various physicochemical parameters, like particle size, % entrapment efficiency, DSC, FTIR, pXRD, and TEM. In the drug release study, the formulation showed sustained release of erlotinib over 24 h in simulated lung fluid pH 7.4. This developed formulation was evaluated in zebrafish tail fin regeneration assay for its anti-angiogenetic activity. The liposomal formulation inhibited the tail fin regeneration for 14 days indicating anti-angiogenetic activity.

Long-Term Outcomes and Factors Associated with Mortality in Patients with Moderate to Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in Kenya

Background:

Pulmonary hypertension is poorly studied in Africa. The long-term survival rates and prognostic factors associated with mortality in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Africa are not well described.

Objectives:

To determine the causes of moderate to severe PH in patients seen in contemporary hospital settings, determine the patients’ one-year survival and the factors associated with mortality following standard care.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with moderate to severe PH at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUHN) from August 2014 to July 2017 was carried out. Clinical and outcome data were collected from medical records and the hospital mortality database. Telephone interviews were conducted for patients who died outside the hospital. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier, and log-rank tests were used to assess differences between subgroups. Cox regression modelling with multivariable adjustment was used to identify factors associated with all-cause mortality.

Results:

A total of 659 patients with moderate to severe PH were enrolled. Median follow-up time was 626 days. The survival rates of the patients at 1 and 2 years were 73.8% and 65.9%, respectively. The following variables were significantly associated with mortality: diabetes mellitus [adjusted HR 1.52, 95% CI (1.14–2.01)], WHO functional class III/IV [adjusted HR 3.49, 95% CI (2.46–4.95)], atrial fibrillation [adjusted HR 1.53, 95% CI (1.08–2.17)], severe PH [adjusted HR 1.72, 95% CI (1.30–2.27)], right ventricular dysfunction [adjusted HR 2.42, 95% CI (1.76–3.32)] and left ventricular dysfunction [adjusted HR 1.91, 95% CI (1.36–2.69)]. Obesity [adjusted HR 0.68, 95% CI (0.50–0.93)] was associated with improved survival.

Conclusion:

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with poor long-term outcomes in African patients. Identification of prognostic factors associated with high-risk patients will assist in patient management and potentially improved outcomes.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2020 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports on the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2020 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, metrics to assess and monitor healthy diets, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, a focus on the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors, implementation strategies, and implications of the American Heart Association's 2020 Impact Goals.

RESULTS

Each of the 26 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, healthcare administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Impact of race on survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the REVEAL registry

BACKGROUND

Prior research has suggested that the prevalence and outcomes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may vary by race or ethnicity. However, these studies have been limited by small sample size or methodological techniques relying on epidemiologic data. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between race/ethnicity and survival in a large U.S.-based prospective multicenter registry.

METHODS

Patients in the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL), a 5-year observational study of Group 1 PAH, were categorized by race/ethnicity. Baseline hemodynamic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and medication use was described. The relationship between race/ethnicity and outcome was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards modeling techniques. Left-truncation analysis, which adjusted for time from diagnosis to study enrollment, was used to minimize the effect of survivor bias.

RESULTS

This analysis included 3,046 patients; 2,202 identified as white, 393 as black, 263 as Hispanic, 100 as Asian or Pacific Islander, and 88 as other. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that white patients had the lowest survival rates. After adjusting for variables of prognostic impact, race/ethnicity was no longer significantly associated with survival. Other results showed that black patients were more likely to have connective tissue disease-associated PAH, Hispanic patients were more likely to have portopulmonary hypertension, and Asian patients were more likely to have congenital heart disease-associated PAH.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the REVEAL registry did not find race/ethnicity to be a significant predictor of mortality. This is the largest analysis to date evaluating the role of race/ethnicity on outcomes in PAH.

Gender Differences in Risk Factors Associated With Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure, Heart Failure, and Mortality in Blacks: Jackson Heart Study

Background

Pulmonary hypertension is prevalent in black individuals, especially women. Elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods and Results

We developed linear and proportional hazards models to examine potential gender‐related differences in risk factors for elevated PASP (estimated by transthoracic echocardiography) and PASP‐associated clinical outcomes (incident heart failure admissions and mortality) in JHS (Jackson Heart Study) participants. JHS is a prospective observational cohort study of heart disease in blacks from the Jackson, Mississippi, metropolitan area. The study cohort included participants with measurable transtricuspid gradients (n=3286) at the time of first/baseline examination, 2000–2004. The median age (interquartile range) of patients at baseline was 57.8 years (18.6 years) with 67.5% being women. The median PASP at baseline was higher in women (men: 26 mm Hg [interquartile range 8], women: 27 mm Hg [interquartile range 9]. In multivariate linear regression analyses with PASP, significant gender interactions were noted for age, chronic lung disease, pulse pressure, and obstructive spirometry. In exploratory analyses stratified by gender, body mass index, and obstructive and restrictive spirometry patterns were associated with PASP in women, and chronic lung disease was associated with PASP in men. Age and pulse pressure had stronger associations with PASP in women compared with men. There was a significant interaction between gender and PASP for heart failure admissions but not mortality.

Conclusions

Specific cardiopulmonary risk factors are associated with elevated PASP in women and men. Women with elevated PASP have a higher risk of incident heart failure admissions. Future research is needed to understand associated gender‐specific mechanisms that can help identify targeted prevention and management strategies for patients with elevated PASP.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: a Pharmacotherapeutic Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) leads to progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), right heart failure, and death if left untreated. This review will summarize and discuss recent updates in the classification and management of patients with PAH.

RECENT FINDINGS

PAH requires careful hemodynamic assessment and is defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure > 20 mmHg with normal left-sided filling pressures and a PVR ≥ 3 Wood units. Most patients with PAH require targeted pharmacotherapy based on multiparametric risk stratification. Significant improvements in clinical outcome have been realized through the approval of 14 unique pharmacotherapeutic options. The latest clinical recommendations provide the updated hemodynamic definition and clinical classification as well as evidence-based treatment recommendations. An important change is the focus on initial upfront combination therapy for most patients with PAH. Structured follow-up and escalation of treatment for those not achieving low-risk status is paramount.

The Role of HMGB1, a Nuclear Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecule, in the Pathogenesis of Lung Diseases

Significance: High-mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1), a ubiquitous nuclear protein, regulates chromatin structure and modulates the expression of many genes involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and many other lung diseases, including those that regulate cell cycle control, cell death, and DNA replication and repair. Extracellular HMGB1, whether passively released or actively secreted, is a danger signal that elicits proinflammatory responses, impairs macrophage phagocytosis and efferocytosis, and alters vascular remodeling. This can result in excessive pulmonary inflammation and compromised host defense against lung infections, causing a deleterious feedback cycle. Recent Advances: HMGB1 has been identified as a biomarker and mediator of the pathogenesis of numerous lung disorders. In addition, post-translational modifications of HMGB1, including acetylation, phosphorylation, and oxidation, have been postulated to affect its localization and physiological and pathophysiological effects, such as the initiation and progression of lung diseases. Critical Issues: The molecular mechanisms underlying how HMGB1 drives the pathogenesis of different lung diseases and novel therapeutic approaches targeting HMGB1 remain to be elucidated. Future Directions: Additional research is needed to identify the roles and functions of modified HMGB1 produced by different post-translational modifications and their significance in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. Such studies will provide information for novel approaches targeting HMGB1 as a treatment for lung diseases.

Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor Therapy for Pulmonary Hypertension in the United States. Actual versus Recommended Use

RATIONALE

Care of patients with pulmonary hypertension is complex. Although pulmonary vasodilators are effective for Group 1 pulmonary hypertension, clinical guidelines and the Choosing Wisely Campaign recommend against routine use for Groups 2 and 3 pulmonary hypertension (the most common types of pulmonary hypertension) because of a lack of benefit, potential for harm, and high cost ($10,000-$13,000 per patient per year treated). Little is known about how these medications are used in practice.

OBJECTIVES

To determine national patterns of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor prescribing for pulmonary hypertension in the Veterans Health Administration.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of Veterans prescribed phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor for pulmonary hypertension between 2005 and 2012 at any Veterans Health Administration site. Patients were identified by presence of an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code for pulmonary hypertension and one or more outpatient prescriptions for daily phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy. We developed and validated, using gold-standard chart abstraction, an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification-based algorithm to assign pulmonary hypertension group. Our primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received potentially inappropriate phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, as determined by guideline recommendations (Group 1 pulmonary hypertension: appropriate; Groups 2/3: potentially inappropriate; Groups 4/5: uncertain value), among all patients prescribed phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor for pulmonary hypertension. Secondary outcomes included proportion of treated patients who received guideline-recommended right heart catheterization.

RESULTS

Among 108,777 Veterans with pulmonary hypertension, 2,790 (2.6% [95% confidence interval, 2.5-2.7%]) received daily phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy. Among treated patients, 541 (19.4% [95% confidence interval, 18.0-20.9%]) received appropriate treatment, 1,711 (61.3% [95% confidence interval, 59.5-63.1%]) potentially inappropriate treatment, and 358 (12.8% [95% confidence interval, 11.6-14.1%]) treatment of uncertain value. The number of potentially inappropriately treated patients per year increased substantially over the study period (53 in 2005, 748 in 2012). On the basis of chart abstraction in a randomly selected subset of patients treated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, half (110 of 230, 47.8% [95% confidence interval, 41.3-54.5%]) had documented right heart catheterization to confirm presence or type of pulmonary hypertension. After factoring presence of and data from right heart catheterization into our treatment appropriateness algorithm, only 11.7% (95% confidence interval, 8.0-16.8%) received clearly appropriate treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Most Veterans with pulmonary hypertension do not receive phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy. However, among treated Veterans, almost two-thirds of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor prescriptions are inconsistent with pulmonary hypertension guidelines, exposing patients to potential harm and creating a financial burden on the healthcare system. Further study is warranted to clarify the effects of these prescription patterns on pulmonary hypertension outcomes.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: An Analysis of the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network Registry

OBJECTIVE

To investigate racial and ethnic differences in pulmonary hypertension subtypes and survival differences in a pediatric population.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients with pulmonary hypertension (aged ≤18 years) enrolled in the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network registry between 2014 and 2018, comprising patients at eight Pediatric Centers throughout North America (n = 1417).

RESULTS

Among children diagnosed after the neonatal period, pulmonary arterial hypertension was more prevalent among Asians (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.21-2.79; P = .0045), lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension among blacks (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.48-2.95; P < .0001), idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension among whites (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.06-2.41; P = .0289), and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease among Hispanics (OR, 6.11; 95% CI, 1.34-31.3; P = .0184). Among neonates, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.54-10.0; P = .0029) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR, 8.11; 95% CI, 3.28-19.8; P < .0001) were more prevalent among blacks, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia was more prevalent among whites (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.25-4.18; P = .0070). An increased mortality risk was observed among blacks (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.03-3.84; P = .0396), driven primarily by the heightened mortality risk among those with lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension (HR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.15-7.04; P = .0241).

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant racial variability in the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension subtypes and survival outcomes among children with pulmonary hypertension. Given the substantial burden of this disease, further studies to validate phenotypic differences and to understand the underlying causes of survival disparities between racial and ethnic groups are warranted.