Therapeutic advances in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Ther Adv Respir Dis. 2008 Aug;2(4):249-65. doi: 10.1177/1753465808094762.

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by vasoconstriction, in situ thrombosis, and vascular remodeling of small pulmonary arteries inducing increased pulmonary arterial resistance. Conventional treatment is based on life style modification and nonspecific treatment (warfarine, diuretics, oxygen). Calcium channel blockers are vasodilatators that have been shown to be of great efficacy in a very specific subpopulation of patients with PAH. For the majority of patients, specific PAH therapies are still lacking. Numerous studies evaluating prostacyclin agonists, endothelin-receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are now available to guide therapeutic choices. Despite those important advances there is still no cure for PAH. Fortunately, research is ongoing and many drugs show promises.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Altitude
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Contraception
  • Contraindications
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / therapy*
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Hypoxia / therapy
  • Lung Transplantation
  • Pregnancy
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Diuretics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents