Pharmacologic Treatments for Pulmonary Hypertension
Pharmacologic Treatments for Pulmonary Hypertension
While not FDA-approved, high-dose calcium channel blockers have been used for years to treat a rare subset of idiopathic PAH patients who demonstrate an acute vasodilator response measured during RHC; currently this is recognized as a drop of at least 10 mmHg in mPAP, resulting in an mPAP of 40 mmHg or less. Even in this small group of vasodilator responders, only about half display long-term improvement with calcium channel blocker treatment. Unlike calcium channel blockers, inhaled NO is FDA-approved for the treatment of PAH, but only in neonates and is suggested for only short-term use. Although not evaluated in randomized controlled trials, diuretics, supplemental oxygen and oral anticoagulants have also been used for years as supportive care.
Other Therapies
While not FDA-approved, high-dose calcium channel blockers have been used for years to treat a rare subset of idiopathic PAH patients who demonstrate an acute vasodilator response measured during RHC; currently this is recognized as a drop of at least 10 mmHg in mPAP, resulting in an mPAP of 40 mmHg or less. Even in this small group of vasodilator responders, only about half display long-term improvement with calcium channel blocker treatment. Unlike calcium channel blockers, inhaled NO is FDA-approved for the treatment of PAH, but only in neonates and is suggested for only short-term use. Although not evaluated in randomized controlled trials, diuretics, supplemental oxygen and oral anticoagulants have also been used for years as supportive care.
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