Interv Akut Kardiol 2012; 11(3-4): 149-152

Current status and perspectives of treatment for chronic pulmonary hypertension

MUDr.Pavel Jansa, Ph.D.

II. interní klinika kardiologie a angiologie VFN a 1. LF UK, Praha

Pulmonary hypertension can complicate numerous conditions, and as such can be caused by a number of mechanisms, ranging from a simple

passive pressure elevation in the pulmonary artery to severe primary diseases of the pulmonary vessels. The recent increase in interest in

the issue of pulmonary hypertension results, in particular, from the treatment options. Current specific treatment for pulmonary arterial

hypertension (PAH) includes calcium channel blockers, prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Newly investigated experimental treatment options for PAH include prostacyclin receptor agonists, soluble guanylate cyclase activators and

stimulators, statins, serotonin receptor antagonists and serotonin transporter blockers, Rho kinase inhibitors, vasoactive intestinal peptide

or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Options of using specific pharmacotherapy in some patients with pulmonary hypertension in heart and lung

diseases are also being intensively sought. Pulmonary endarterectomy is the treatment of choice for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary

hypertension (CTEPH) in patients with a surgically accessible thrombotic obstruction. In patients who are not suitable for surgical treatment,

pharmacotherapy may be an alternative. However, the clinical trials conducted so far have not shown a consistent effect of medical

treatment in this indication. Recently, the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat has shown promise.

Keywords: pulmonary hypertension, specific treatment, prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, experimental treatment options

Published: May 11, 2012  Show citation