Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
PROSTACYCLIN-ANALOG THERAPY FOR PULMONARY VASCULAR DYSFUNCTION DURING SEVERE ACUTE CHEST SYNDROME IN SICKLE CELL
Parenteral epoprostenol significantly reduced pulmonary artery systolic pressure in sickle cell patients with acute chest syndrome-related acute cor pulmonale. This therapy offers a promising treatment for this critical condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
Background:
- Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a severe complication in sickle cell disease (SCD).
- Acute cor pulmonale (ACP) can complicate severe ACS, leading to increased pulmonary artery pressure.
- Effective management of ACP in SCD patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of parenteral epoprostenol on acute cor pulmonale (ACP) in adult sickle cell patients with severe acute chest syndrome (ACS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center analysis comparing patients receiving epoprostenol plus usual care (prostacyclin group) versus usual care alone (control group).
- Inclusion criteria: ICU admission for severe ACS with ACP.
- Primary outcome: 24-hour relative change in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP).
Main Results:
- The prostacyclin group showed a significant PASP reduction from 69 to 52 mmHg (P < 0.001) within 24 hours.
- The control group did not exhibit a significant change in PASP (50 to 50 mmHg, P = 0.285).
- Median PASP decrease was significantly greater in the epoprostenol group (-25%) compared to the control group (-2%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Parenteral prostacyclin analog therapy, specifically epoprostenol, is associated with significant reduction in PASP.
- This therapy is effective in managing ACS-related ACP in critically ill sickle cell disease patients.
- Epoprostenol represents a valuable therapeutic option for this patient population.
More Related Videos
10:50Osmotic Drug Delivery to Ischemic Hindlimbs and Perfusion of Vasculature with Microfil for Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging
Published on: June 29, 2013
06:10Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...