[What is new in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension?]

In recent years, the better understanding of the pathobiology and pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has led to the development of new drugs for its treatment. Epoprostenol, which was the first drug approved for PAH, has shown an improvement in the survival at 3 years in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration has approved two new compounds, Bosentan (an oral, non-selective endothelin receptor blocker) and Treprostinil (a subcutaneous prostacyclin analog). At least three multicenter, international studies are currently in progress. These studies include the use of a diet supplement rich in arginine (nitric oxide precursor), the evaluation of an endothelin A-receptor blocker (Sitaxsentan), and the evaluation of Sildenafil (a 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor). As long as research continues to scrutinize the pathogenesis of this disease, clues to possible new therapies are warranted.