[Pulmonary hypertension : What is new in therapy?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a group of diseases marked by exertional dyspnea and right heart failure.
• Accurate classification into five subgroups is crucial for guiding treatment decisions.
• Previous treatments included PDE5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, and prostacyclins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the updated 2015 treatment guidelines for pulmonary hypertension.
• To highlight new pharmacological treatment options, including riociguat.
• To address treatment recommendations for PH patients in intensive care settings.

Main Methods:

• Review of updated clinical guidelines for pulmonary hypertension treatment.
• Analysis of new pharmacological agents incorporated into treatment algorithms.
• Examination of specific recommendations for intensive care unit (ICU) patient management.

Main Results:

• The 2015 guidelines incorporate riociguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, for specific forms of PH.
• Updated recommendations provide a basis for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment choices.
• Specific considerations for managing PH patients in intensive care are outlined.

Conclusions:

• The updated guidelines offer a refined approach to pulmonary hypertension management.
• Riociguat represents a significant addition to the pharmacological armamentarium for PH.
• The guidelines emphasize tailored treatment strategies, particularly for critically ill PH patients.