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Scagliola R, Brunelli C, Balbi M. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in the Elderly: Peculiar Features and Challenges for a Proper Phenotyping Approach. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:401. [PMID: 37754830 PMCID: PMC10531962 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Introduction. Although pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) usually affects young people with a low cardiovascular risk profile, progressive epidemiologic changes have been providing a codified phenotype of elderly subjects with PAH and increased risk predictors for left heart disease. We therefore conducted a systematic review to describe the current knowledge and characteristics of elderly individuals with PAH and further insights concerning their prognostic outcomes and therapeutic response. (2) Methods. A search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for publications evaluating the epidemiology, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of PAH in elderly subjects. (3) Among the 74 publications initially retrieved, 16 full-text articles were selected for the present systematic review. Compared to their younger counterparts, elderly individuals with PAH showed greater clinical deterioration, reduced exercise capacity, and worse prognostic outcomes, as well as less response to PAH-targeted therapy and higher rates of PAH drug discontinuation. (4) Conclusions. Demographic changes over time contributed to define a peculiar PAH phenotype in elderly patients, with an increased burden of cardiovascular comorbidities and distinctive features compared to young patients. Further investigations are needed in order to better clarify the nosologic criteria, and management in this subset population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Scagliola
- Cardiology Division, Department of Emergency, Cardinal G. Massaia Hospital, 14100 Asti, Italy
- Pulmonary Hypertension Outpatient Clinic, Cardiovascular Disease Unit, San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Brunelli
- Pulmonary Hypertension Outpatient Clinic, Cardiovascular Disease Unit, San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Manrico Balbi
- Pulmonary Hypertension Outpatient Clinic, Cardiovascular Disease Unit, San Martino Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Scagliola R, Brunelli C, Balbi M. Treatment with neurohormonal inhibitors and prognostic outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension with risk factors for left heart disease. World J Crit Care Med 2022; 11:85-91. [PMID: 35433314 PMCID: PMC8968482 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v11.i2.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite major advances in pharmacologic treatment, patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) still have a considerably reduced life expectancy. In this context, chronic hyperactivity of the neurohormonal axis has been shown to be detrimental in PAH, thus providing novel insights on the role of neurohormonal blockade as a potential therapeutic target.
AIM To evaluate the application and prognostic effect of neurohormonal inhibitors (NEUi) in a single-center sample of patients with idiopathic PAH and risk factors for left heart disease.
METHODS We analyzed data retrospectively collected from our register of right heart catheterizations performed consecutively from January 1, 2005 to October 31, 2018. Patients on beta-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist at the time of right heart catheterization were classified as NEUi users and compared to NEUi non-recipients.
RESULTS Complete data were available for 57 PAH subjects: 27 of those (47.4%) were taking at least one NEUi at the time of right heart catheterization and were compared with the remaining 36 NEUi non-recipients. NEUi users were older and had a higher cardiovascular risk profile compared to non-recipients. Additionally, NEUi non-users had a higher probability of dying during the course of follow-up than NEUi recipients (56.7% vs 25.9%, log-rank P = 0.020).
CONCLUSION The above data highlighted a subgroup of patients with PAH and comorbidities for left heart disease in which NEUi use has shown to be associated with improved survival. Future prospective studies are needed to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategies in this subset population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Scagliola
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudio Brunelli
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Manrico Balbi
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova 16132, Genova, Italy
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Abstract
The number of rTOF patients who survive into adulthood is steadily rising, with currently more than 90% reaching the third decade of life. However, rTOF patients are not cured, but rather have a lifelong increased risk for cardiac and non-cardiac complications. Heart failure is recognized as a significant complication. Its occurrence is strongly associated with adverse outcome. Unfortunately, conventional concepts of heart failure may not be directly applicable in this patient group. This article presents a review of the current knowledge on HF in rTOF patients, including incidence and prevalence, the most common mechanisms of heart failure, i.e., valvular pathologies, shunt lesions, left atrial hypertension, primary left heart and right heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease. In addition, we will review information regarding extracardiac complications, risk factors for the development of heart failure, clinical impact and prognosis, and assessment possibilities, particularly of the right ventricle, as well as management strategies. We explore potential future concepts that may stimulate further research into this field.
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Sun Y, Li Y, Meng X, Jiang R, Zhao Q, Wang L, Shi L, Luo C, Qiu H, Wu W, Li J, He J, Liu J, Yuan P, Gong S. Acute vasoreactivity testing predicts outcome of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with a negative acute response. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1650. [PMID: 33490162 PMCID: PMC7812225 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-7339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute vasoreactivity testing (AVT) during right heart catheterization (RHC) is performed in certain subsets of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in order to identify those who benefit from calcium channel blockers. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of pre-AVT, post-AVT, and changes in AVT (ΔAVT) parameters for idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients with a negative acute response, and to identify sex differences that could be of prognostic value. METHODS A total of 487 incident IPAH patients (171 males and 316 females) with a negative acute response to AVT were recruited from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between 2009 and 2018. Outcomes were predicted using the Kaplan-Meier curve and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analyses. All patients were followed up till January 2020, with outcome specified as all-cause mortality. RESULTS Inhalation of iloprost aerosol improved the hemodynamic parameters for all patients. Post-PVR was decreased, and post-cardiac output (post-CO) and post-cardiac index (post-CI) were increased compared with pre-AVT parameters among males. Increased post- artery oxygen saturation (post-SaO2) and decreased post-mean right atrium pressure (post-mRAP) were also observed in females. For all patients, pre-CO ≥3.25 L/min, post-mPAP <53 mmHg, and post-mixed venous oxygen saturation (post-SvO2) ≤63% were parameters suggesting better prognosis. For males, patients with pre-PVR <12.47 Wood units, pre-SvO2 ≥64%, and post-mean pulmonary artery pressure (post-mPAP) <51 mmHg had a better prognosis. For females, patients with ΔmPAP ≥-4 mmHg and ΔPVR ≥-0.25 Wood units had better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AVT parameters, including pre-AVT, post-AVT and ΔAVT, have a more important prognostic value than currently used for identify a small subgroup of patients with PAH who are suitable for high-dose calcium channel blockers. Sex differences in AVT parameters suggest that sex should be taken into account in estimating prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Sun
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Institute of Bismuth Science, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinhua Zhao
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingzi Shi
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cijun Luo
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongling Qiu
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Wu
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinling Li
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sugang Gong
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Agrawal V, Lahm T, Hansmann G, Hemnes AR. Molecular mechanisms of right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary arterial hypertension: focus on the coronary vasculature, sex hormones, and glucose/lipid metabolism. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:1522-1540. [PMID: 33224772 PMCID: PMC7666935 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-20-404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by dysregulated metabolism, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and loss of pulmonary vascular cross-sectional area due to a variety of etiologies. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in PAH is a critical mediator of both long-term morbidity and mortality. While combinatory oral pharmacotherapy and/or intravenous prostacyclin aimed at decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) have improved clinical outcomes, there are currently no treatments that directly address RV failure in PAH. This is, in part, due to the incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of RV dysfunction in PAH. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current understanding of key molecular mechanisms that cause, contribute and/or sustain RV dysfunction, with a special focus on pathways that either have led to or have the potential to lead to clinical therapeutic intervention. Specifically, this review discusses the mechanisms by which vessel loss and dysfunctional angiogenesis, sex hormones, and metabolic derangements in PAH directly contribute to RV dysfunction. Finally, this review discusses limitations and future areas of investigation that may lead to novel understanding and therapeutic interventions for RV dysfunction in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Agrawal
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tim Lahm
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Georg Hansmann
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Critical Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna R. Hemnes
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonology and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Abstract
Right-sided heart failure (RHF) occurs from impaired contractility of the right ventricle caused by pressure, volume overload, or intrinsic myocardial contractile dysfunction. The development of subclinical right ventricle (RV) dysfunction or overt RHF is a negative prognostic indicator. Recent attention has focused on RV-specific inflammatory growth factors and mediators of myocardial fibrosis to elucidate the mechanisms leading to RHF and potentially guide the development of novel therapeutics. This article focuses on the distinct changes in RV structure, mechanics, and function, as well as molecular and inflammatory mediators involved in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic RHF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kalyan R Chitturi
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, 6550 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ashrith Guha
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, 6550 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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