Acute effects of nebulised epoprostenol in pulmonary hypertension due to systemic sclerosis

Respir Med. 1999 Feb;93(2):75-8. doi: 10.1016/s0954-6111(99)90294-9.

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension often has a lethal outcome in systemic sclerosis and the treatment is challenging. Epoprostenol is a potent pulmonary vasodilator and its efficacy has been demonstrated when delivered by the intravenous and aerosolized routes. We report the haemodynamic and functional benefits of epoprostenol administered by inhalation to a spontaneously breathing patient with partially reversible pulmonary hypertension due to systemic sclerosis. Aerosolized epoprostenol, equivalent to the maximum tolerated intravenous dose (31.2 micrograms), produced a 58% fall in pulmonary vascular resistance, increased the cardiac output by 42% and improved functional performance by one MET (3.5 ml kg-1 min-1 of oxygen uptake) without any significant side-effects. Selective distribution of epoprostenol by the inhaled route may offer a new strategy for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Antihypertensive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cardiac Output / drug effects
  • Epoprostenol / administration & dosage*
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
  • Vascular Resistance / drug effects

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Epoprostenol