Predictive factors of right heart catheterization to diagnose pulmonary arterial hypertension using least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression

Abstract

Objective This study involved an analysis of a real world, international survey where physicians provided cross-sectional, retrospective data for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine predictive factors of right heart catheterization (RHC) to confirm their PAH diagnosis. Methods Data were sourced from the Adelphi PAH Disease Specific Programme (DSP) in the United States (US), France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, and Japan, between March and August 2022. Results Overall, 75% (n = 395) of patients with PAH (n = 529) underwent RHC at diagnosis; this varied by country, ranging from 64% in the US to 92% in France. RHC was more likely to be performed in patients with a higher New York Heart Association Functional Class, with key PAH symptoms (dyspnea, palpitations, and cyanosis), and diagnosed at PH specialist centers. Conclusion By understanding the factors associated with RHC utilization at PAH diagnosis, more targeted approaches for improving the diagnosis for patients with suspected PAH may be pursued.