Update on therapies for pulmonary hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pulmonary hypertension (PH) presents diagnostic challenges and a poor prognosis if untreated, often leading to right ventricular failure.
• Diverse disorders can cause elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, necessitating targeted therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current drug therapies for pulmonary hypertension (PH).
• To discuss surgical options for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
• To explore emerging therapies for PH based on recent research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current therapeutic strategies for PH.
• Analysis of evidence from clinical trials for major PH classification groups.
• Discussion of pathobiology underpinning treatment advancements.

Main Results:

• Significant therapeutic advancements in pulmonary arterial hypertension and CTEPH over the last decade.
• Current treatments involve complex drug regimens, delivery systems, and management of side effects.
• No curative treatments are currently available for PH.

Conclusions:

• Despite advances, PH management requires expertise in disease processes and treatment options.
• Surgical intervention is an option for select CTEPH patients.
• Future PH therapies may arise from ongoing basic science research.