Case report: a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension transitioning from a PDE-5 inhibitor to Riociguat

BMC Pulm Med. 2016 May 18;16(1):82. doi: 10.1186/s12890-016-0229-x.

Abstract

Background: We present here the case of a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension and NYHA Class II symptoms who transitioned from PDE-5i therapy to riociguat. No protocol currently exists for transitioning between these PAH medications.

Case presentation: A 59-year old male with a history of anorexigen use initially presented in 2008 and was felt to have non-operable small vessel disease. His care was transitioned to our center after insurance would not cover high-dose sildenafil in addition to ERA therapy.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates a safe and successful transition from higher dose PDE-5is to riociguat with no interruption in therapy.

Keywords: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; Cyclic guanosine monophosphate; Pulmonary arterial hypertension; sGC stimulators.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Sildenafil Citrate / therapeutic use*
  • Transitional Care

Substances

  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
  • Pyrazoles
  • Pyrimidines
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • riociguat