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Updated: May 7, 2026

Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Rogerio Souza1, Carlos Jardim, Marc Humbert
1Department of Pulmonary, Heart Institute, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a rare condition diagnosed after other causes are excluded. While new treatments improve survival, high mortality necessitates combination therapies and ongoing research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a rare disease with varying clinical presentations.
- PAH can be associated with diverse conditions, necessitating exclusion of other diagnoses for an IPAH diagnosis.
- The
- Multiple hit
- concept suggests genetic abnormalities and environmental factors contribute to IPAH development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of IPAH, including its diagnosis, contributing factors, and therapeutic landscape.
- To highlight the advancements in treatment options and their impact on patient outcomes.
- To emphasize the need for novel therapeutic strategies due to persistent high mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and etiological factors for IPAH.
- Evaluation of current and emerging therapeutic options for PAH.
Main Results:
- IPAH diagnosis requires ruling out secondary causes of PAH.
- Genetic factors and environmental exposures are implicated in IPAH pathogenesis.
- Despite available treatments, 5-year mortality remains around 40%.
Conclusions:
- Combination therapy, using agents with different mechanisms, is recommended for IPAH.
- Ongoing research into new therapeutic agents and strategies is crucial for improving survival.
- Further investigation into the "multiple hit" concept may reveal new therapeutic targets.
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