Pulmonary artery pressure matters – how to efficiently improve survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension (RCD code: II‐1A.1)

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a disease characterized by poor prognosis despite treatment. Even in a modern era of pharmaco- therapy there is a strong need to further improve survival of patients. The current therapeutic strategies do not offer a real break-through in terms of reducing mortality. In a search for better efficacy of treatment we discuss a strategy based on lowering pulmonary artery pressure as much as possible with epoprostenol in monotherapy or in combination. Epoprostenol with bosentan is an effective tool in achieving this goal. A rapid up-titration regardless of maximum epoprostenol dose achieved gives additional long-term benefit. Practical issues related to such modality of treatment are also discussed. JRCD 2017; 3 (4): 110–115