Protocol for vasoreactivity testing with epoprostenol in pulmonary hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathogenesis involves distal pulmonary arteriole remodeling and abnormal vascular reactivity.
• Pulmonary vasoreactivity testing aids PAH diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment selection.
• Epoprostenol is used for testing due to limitations with inhaled nitric oxide and adenosine, but standardized protocols are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a stepwise protocol for safe intravenous epoprostenol administration during pulmonary vasoreactivity testing.
• To address the lack of standardized procedural guidelines for epoprostenol use in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Development of a stepwise procedural protocol for intravenous epoprostenol administration.
• Focus on safe administration during invasive pulmonary vasoreactivity testing in a cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Main Results:

• A standardized protocol for intravenous epoprostenol administration in pulmonary vasoreactivity testing has been established.
• The protocol aims to ensure safe and effective use of epoprostenol for PAH assessment.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol bridges the gap in standardized procedures for epoprostenol use in pulmonary vasoreactivity testing.
• This guideline supports clinicians in utilizing epoprostenol for PAH diagnosis and management.