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Biomarkers for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension - a call to collaborate
Kelley L Colvin1, Melanie J Dufva2, Ryan P Delaney2
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA ; Department of Pediatrics-Critical Care, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA ; Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA ; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Denver , Aurora, CO , USA.
Insights
Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) lacks evidence-based treatments. This review explores non-invasive biomarkers from adult PAH that could improve diagnosis and treatment for children with this rare disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Biomarker research
- Cardiovascular medicine
Background:
- Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment relies on clinical experience, unlike adult PAH which uses evidence-based approaches.
- Accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for pediatric PAH require objective, non-invasive biomarkers.
- The complexity of pediatric PAH, including varied presentations and comorbidities, presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current non-invasive biomarkers for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- To identify adult PAH biomarkers that may be applicable to pediatric PAH.
- To address the need for objective tools in diagnosing and managing pediatric PAH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of non-invasive biomarkers in adult and pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Analysis of potential translation of adult PAH biomarkers to pediatric applications.
- Exploration of current research and clinical practice in pediatric PAH management.
Main Results:
- Current pediatric PAH therapeutic strategies are largely experience-based.
- A significant need exists for non-invasive, objective biomarkers in pediatric PAH.
- Advancements in adult PAH research offer potential for application in pediatric cases.
Conclusions:
- Translating adult PAH biomarker research to pediatric populations is a promising avenue.
- Development of non-invasive biomarkers is crucial for evidence-based pediatric PAH care.
- Further research is needed to validate biomarkers for pediatric PAH diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Abstract:
Therapeutic approaches in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are based primarily on clinician experience, in contrast to the evidence-based approach in adults with pulmonary hypertension. There is a clear and present need for non-invasive and objective biomarkers to guide the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease in children. The multifaceted spectrum of disease, clinical presentation, and association with other diseases makes this a formidable challenge. However, as more progress is being made in the understanding and management of adult PAH, the potential to apply this knowledge to children has never been greater. This review explores the state of the art with regard to non-invasive biomarkers in PAH, with an eye toward those adult PAH biomarkers potentially suitable for application in pediatric PAH.
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