Prevalence Of Pulmonary Hypertension Research Articles

Scoring system for early detection in pulmonary hypertension type I based on clinical presentation, electrocardiography, and chest X-ray at RSUD dr. Saiful Anwar

Background: In Indonesia, pulmonary hypertension prevalence is 1:10.000 population. Due to its atypical symptoms, often PH patients come as a late presenters thus they have a worse prognosis. The golden standard to diagnose is Right Heart Catheterization (RHC) which is not widely available. Objectives: To generate a scoring system based on clinical presentation, electrocardiogram, and chest x-ray for early detection. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in RSUD dr. Saiful Anwar, East Java from July 2020 – November 2023 with data from the medical record in which all variables are obtained at one period. Data were analyzed using bivariate analysis, multiple logistic regression, and Area Under Curve (AUC) from Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). Results: A total of 244 patients who were above 18 years old were conducted RHC at RSUD dr. Saiful Anwar East Java. We found a total score of 12 consisting of Dyspnea on Effort (DOE) score 2, Palpitation score 1, Increasaed P2 score 2, Increased JVP (Jugular vein pressure) score 2, RV (Right Ventricular) Heaves score 2, Right bundle branch block (RBBB) score 1, and Cardiomegaly (CTR >50%) score 2. With a 2 x 2 table, we found that a score of ⩾5 is likely for pulmonary hypertension diagnosis. Conclusion: Our study is a predictive model with a scoring system that has good sensitivity and specificity in selected populations where one of its limitations is sampling bias thus cannot yet be applied to the general population and needs further research for validation. Keyword: congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, scoring for early detection

Hemodynamic profiles and survival in chronic advanced heart failure patients evaluated for heart replacement therapy

Abstract Background Advanced heart failure (HF) is associated with dismal prognosis despite optimal medical therapy. Invasive assessment with right heart catheterization (RHC) is a valuable tool to assess transplant candidates and hemodynamic profiling is crucial to stratify prognosis and select patients for advanced therapies. Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between hemodynamic profiles based on cardiac index (CI) and filling pressures and survival in ambulatory patients with advanced HF evaluated for heart replacement therapy (HRT) such as heart transplantation (HT) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant. Methods We analyzed adult ambulatory advanced HF patients evaluated for HRT with an available baseline RHC from 2003 to 2022. Hemodynamic data were classified using a CI < 2.2 l/min/m2 as marker of reduced cardiac output ("cold" profile opposed to the "warm" profile) and increased filling pressure, defined as right atrial pressure ≥ 10 mmHg and/or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ≥ 15 mmHg as a marker for congestion ("wet" profile opposed to the "dry" profile). Study endpoint was death or urgent HT or LVAD implant at 5 years. Results Study population included 610 patients (mean age 53±10 years, 79% males). According to hemodynamic criteria, 332 patients (55%) exhibited a "wet cold" hemodynamic profile, 117 (19%) a "cold dry", 91 (15%) a "warm wet" and 66 (11%) a "warm dry" phenotype. The "wet" patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (96% wet cold, 94% wet warm vs 21% dry warm, 19% dry cold; p<0,001), a lower pulmonary artery pulsatility index (4,0 wet cold, 4,1 wet warm vs 7,4 dry warm, 6,9 dry cold; p<0,001). No differences were found in etiology of HF. Both reduced CI [OR 1,6 (1-2,4), p=0.003] and increased filling pressures [OR 1,9, (1,2-2,8) p=0.007] were associated with worse outcomes. Survival differed significantly among hemodynamic profiles, with a survival rate of 48% in the "cold wet" profile compared to 68% in the "cold dry" [OR 1,9 (1,2-3,1) p=0,007] and 65% in the "warm dry" [OR 2,2 (1,1-4,2), p=0.01]. The difference between "cold wet" and "warm wet" was borderline significant (p=0.07). Further stratification between right and left ventricular filling pressures showed that isolated right ventricular congestion was rare and associated with low event rate, while in patients with preserved CI, biventricular congestion was associated with borderline worse survival as compared to isolated left ventricular increased filling pressures (p=0.06). Conclusions Hemodynamic profiles assessed with RHC stratify prognosis in ambulatory patients with advanced HF referred for HRT. Evaluation of hemodynamic phenotype may help identify subgroups of patients at high risk and guide therapeutic decisions. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and develop personalized management strategies to improve clinical outcomes in this population.Survival-hemodynamic phenotypeSurvival-filling pressures

Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Stage IV and Stage V Chronic Kidney Disease

Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Stage IV and Stage V Chronic Kidney Disease

Expanding horizons: lung transplantation for non-IPF interstitial lung diseases

ObjectiveInterstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are diverse pulmonary disorders marked by diffuse lung inflammation and fibrosis. The variability in characteristics and treatment approaches complicates diagnosis and management. In advanced cases requiring transplantation, determining indications and selecting suitable candidates presents additional challenges.MethodsOf all patients with non-IPF ILD between December 2016 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into two groups: transplanted patients and deceased patients on the waiting list. Clinical data and survival outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsOf the 43 patients, 20 underwent lung transplantation while 23 died awaiting transplantation. Waiting list mortality was 53.4%, with median waiting times similar between groups (3 months for transplant patients and 6 months for those on the waiting list). There were no significant differences between groups in age, gender, height, BMI, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), or forced vital capacity (FVC). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) was 76.7% in right heart catheterizations, similar in both groups. One single and 19 bilateral lung transplants were performed. Overall, 13 of the 20 patients survived to discharge from the hospital. One-year mortality was 7/20 (35%). The median follow-up was 34 months, with a 1-year conditional survival of 90.9% at 3 years and 70.7% at 5 years.ConclusionsThis study underscores the importance of further research into non-IPF ILDs. Lung transplantation remains a viable option that can significantly enhance both the quality and longevity of life for patients with advanced ILD.

The impact of pulmonary hypertension on the risk of early graft dysfunction in related kidney transplantation

Introduction. Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication among patients with end-stage renal disease and has a significant impact on the outcome of kidney transplantation, including during kidney transplantation from a living related donor.Objective. To study the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among patients with end-stage renal disease and to determine its impact on the development of early renal graft dysfunction.Material and methods. The study was based on the analysis of treatment results in 650 patients who underwent kidney transplantation from a living related donor. Depending on the graft function, 2 groups of patients were identified: group I consisting of patients with early renal graft dysfunction (n=82); group II (n=79) that included the patients with a primary graft function who were selected by demographic and clinical laboratory data statistically comparable to patients of group I (p>0.5). This allowed us to equalize the chances of achieving the study endpoint (early graft dysfunction). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients, with the calculation of the mean pulmonary artery pressure. The relative risk of early renal graft dysfunction was calculated depending on the presence of pulmonary hypertension and its severity.Results. Among group I patients, pulmonary hypertension was detected in 97.56% of cases (mean pulmonary artery pressure 48.26±18.63 mmHg), versus 86.08% in patients with a primary graft function (mean pulmonary artery pressure 31.92±16.11 mmHg) (p<0.001). The presence of mild pulmonary hypertension increased the relative risk of early graft dysfunction by 2.58 times (95% CI [0.698-9.547]; p=0.174), moderate by 3.18 times (95% CI [0.860-11.764]; p=0.064), severe by 5.91 times (95% CI [1.644-21.241]; p<0.001) compared with patients without pulmonary hypertension.Conclusions. When performing kidney transplantation from a living donor, the presence of severe pulmonary hypertension in the recipient is associated with an increased risk of early graft dysfunction. This suggests that pulmonary hypertension may be one of the modifiable risk factors for this complication.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension During Therapeutic Hypothermia for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Evaluation of Short-Term Outcomes.

Infants with perinatal asphyxia and moderate-to-severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are currently treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) as part of a brain protective strategy. However, perinatal asphyxia is a risk factor for development of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN). As such, the aim of this study was to quantify the risk of PPHN in infants undergoing TH and assess short-term outcomes in infants developing PPHN. All N = 59 infants undergoing TH for moderate-to-severe HIE over a period of 3 years (January 2020-December 2022) at a single center were included. PPHN was diagnosed in N = 10 (17%), with this deemed to have been exacerbated by TH in n = 6 (10%). Only 50% (5/10) with PPHN required inhaled nitric oxide, and none of the infants received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. PPHN was not found to be significantly associated with short-term outcomes, including the extent of HIE on brain magnetic resonance imagings, in-hospital mortality or requirement for nasogastric feeding at discharge. In conclusion, TH appears to be a safe and effective treatment for moderate-to-severe HIE with or without PPHN.

Portal Vein Doppler Is a Sensitive Marker for Evaluating Venous Congestion in End-Stage Kidney Disease

Introduction: Determining ultrafiltration volume in patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) is an essential component in the assessment and management of volume status. Venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) is a novel tool used to quantify the severity of venous congestion at the bedside. Given the high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), venous Doppler could represent a useful tool to monitor decongestion in these patients. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in ESKD patients who were admitted to the hospital requiring IHD and ultrafiltration. Inferior vena cava maximum diameter (IVCd), portal vein Doppler (PVD), and hepatic vein Doppler (HVD) were performed in all patients before and after a single IHD session. Results: Forty-one patients were included. The prevalence of venous congestion was 88% based on IVCd and 63% based on portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF). Both mean IVCd and PVPF displayed a significant improvement after ultrafiltration. The percent decrease in PVPF was significantly larger than the percent decrease in IVCd. HVD alterations did not significantly improve after ultrafiltration. Conclusions: Our study revealed a high prevalence of venous congestion in hospitalized ESKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. After a single IHD session, there was a significant improvement in both IVCd and PVPF. HVD showed no significant improvement with one IHD session. PVPF changes were more sensitive than IVCd changes during volume removal. This study suggests that, due to its rapid response to volume removal, PVD, among the various components of the VExUS grading system, could be more effective in monitoring real-time decongestion in patients undergoing IHD.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension among Sudanese Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary condition characterized by aberrant red blood cell morphology, leading to persistent hemolytic anemia. The consequential impact of SCD on the pulmonary vasculature can result in pulmonary hypertension (PHT), a severe complication that detrimentally affects the well-being and survival of individuals with SCD. The prevalence and risk determinants of PHT in SCD patients exhibit variations across diverse geographical regions and populations. This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of PHT among Sudanese SCD patients and identify associated factors. A cohort of thirty-one adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, as confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis, were recruited for participation in this cross-sectional study. Comprehensive data encompassing demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were collected. Doppler echocardiography was employed to quantify pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and evaluate right ventricular size and function. Within our cohort, the prevalence of PHT was 29%. Active cigarette smoking demonstrated a significant association with PHT (P=0.042), while hydroxyurea therapy exhibited no noticeable impact on PHT (P=0.612). Our investigation revealed a PHT prevalence of less than one-third in our SCD patient population, aligning with prior studies. Notably, independent of other factors, cigarette smoking emerged as a distinct risk factor for PHT in SCD patients. This highlights the potential utility of smoking cessation as an intervention to delay the onset of this condition. However, further research is imperative to elucidate the mechanisms through which smoking contributes to PHT development in individuals with SCD.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with pulmonary hypertension or diastolic dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis: An Australian prospective cross-sectional study.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide has been proposed as part of composite screening algorithms for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction, and evaluate their association with serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in systemic sclerosis patients. Patients with systemic sclerosis were prospectively enrolled to undergo N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide testing and transthoracic echocardiography at a tertiary Australian centre from January to October 2022. We collected demographic and transthoracic echocardiography variables including pulmonary hypertension estimated by tricuspid regurgitant velocity and diastolic dysfunction assessed by the ASE/EACVI 2016 guidelines. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate association between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiographic parameters. Sixty-one patients were enrolled (median age = 62 years (interquartile range = 55-69 years); 84% female). Two-thirds of patients had limited systemic sclerosis (40/61). Five patients (8%) had high likelihood of pulmonary hypertension by transthoracic echocardiography. Seven patients (11%) had diastolic dysfunction; however, seven patients (11%) had indeterminate diastology. Six patients underwent right heart catheterisation, with five patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with pulmonary hypertension or diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher (median = 207 and 226 pg/mL, respectively) compared to patients without either condition (median = 69 pg/mL, p = 0.01). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide showed a statistically significant although limited correlation with estimated pulmonary pressures measured by tricuspid regurgitant velocity (r = 0.44, p = 0.002) and left ventricular filling pressures (r = 0.27, p = 0.04). Pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction are both observed in systemic sclerosis. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is associated with both conditions; however, it cannot distinguish between the two disease processes. Right heart catheterisation may be required to make this distinction.

Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension in Liver Cirrhosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a common complication of chronic liver disease. Its prevalence has increased markedly over the last few years. With liver cirrhosis comes cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is important that the detection of the abnormalities by echocardiography be given priority, as this can change the clinical outcome of these patients with cardiovascular abnormalities in liver cirrhosis. This study aims to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in LC patients. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out at JUTH (Jos University Teaching Hospital) over a period of one year. We recruited 210 adult patients with liver cirrhosis from the gastroenterology clinic and wards for this study. Data from these patients were collected with questionnaires administered by the interviewer and analysed using SPSS 23 statistical software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The data obtained are presented in tables and charts. Categorical variables were expressed as proportions and frequencies, while continuous data were expressed as the median, mean, and standard deviation. Pulmonary hypertension was found in 30.5% of the participants, with mild pulmonary hypertension being the most common. No one had severe pulmonary hypertension. There was an increased risk of developing pulmonary hypertension in patients with coughs, easy fatigability, bilateral leg swelling, abdominal swelling, and ascites (P<0.05). The result showed that there is a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Impact of preoperative persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation on inhospital mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia that has a well-established impact on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the role of this arrhythmia plays on surgical risk remains uncertain. Objective: to evaluate the impact of preoperative persistent or permanent AF on in-hospital mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: prospective cohort with 2,377 patients submitted to isolated CABG between January 2014 and December 2021. Sixty-two variables, including baseline factors, operative characteristics, and outcomes, were analyzed. Patients were divided into two study groups: No preoperative AF (n=2,287) and preoperative persistent or permanent AF (N=90). The comparison between the groups was performed initially by descriptive and univariate analysis. Subsequently, the analysis of mortality predictors was performed using binary logistic regression - multivariate adjusted analysis. Results: patients with preoperative AF were older, had a higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and anemia, had lower ejection fraction and had higher surgical risk scores when compared with patients with no history of atrial fibrillation. The in-hospital death was more frequent in patients with a history of AF (3.2% vs 8.9%, P=0.010). Through the multivariate analysis, it was possible to verify that preoperative AF is independently associated with the occurrence of in-hospital mortality after CABG (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.21-5.94, P=0.015). Conclusion: Preoperative persistent or permanent AF has been shown to have a significant impact on in-hospital mortality rates after CABG even after adjusted multivariate analysis, being an independent risk predictor for the occurrence of postoperative death.

IDF23-0066 Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with diabetic kidney disease

IDF23-0066 Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with diabetic kidney disease

Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in children with obstructive sleep apnea living at high altitude

IntroductionThe prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is 1–4 %. Some reports describe its association with pulmonary hypertension (PH), but its prevalence is unknown. No studies at high altitude have determined the relationship between OSA and PH. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of PH in children diagnosed with OSA living in a high-altitude city at 2640 m above sea level. MethodsChildren between 2 and 16 years of age referred to the Sleep Laboratory of the Fundación Neumológica Colombiana in Bogotá with a positive polysomnogram for OSA were included, and a two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed to evaluate PH. Statistical analysis was performed using median, interquartile range, chi-squared test, and Kruskall-Wallis test. ResultsOf the 55 patients (n: 55), 63.6 % were male, with a median age of 6 years, 14 children (25.5 %) were overweight; 12 children (21.8 %) had mild OSA, 12 (21.8 %) had moderate OSA and 31 (56.4 %) severe OSA. In patients with severe OSA, the minimum saturation during events was 78 % with a desaturation index (DI) of 33.8/hour (p < 0.01). T90 and T85 increased proportionally with OSA severity (p < 0.05). Of the 55 patients with OSA, none had PH according to echocardiography; 4 patients (7.2 %) had pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) at the upper limit of normal (ULN), and it was not related to a higher body mass index (BMI). ConclusionsWe found no association between OSA and PH in children with OSA at high altitude.

The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in post-tuberculosis and active tuberculosis populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not previously been quantified, resulting in an underappreciated burden of disease. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of PH in post-TB and active TB populations. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Scopus, African Journals Online and Google Scholar, with no language restriction, for available literature published after 1950. Eligible studies described adult participants (≥16 years), with documented evidence of active or prior TB, diagnosed with PH. Study quality was assessed using a risk of bias tool specifically developed for prevalence studies. Aggregate prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were synthesised using a random-effects meta-analysis model, incorporating the Freeman-Tukey transformation. Subgroup analysis was conducted to ascertain prevalence estimates in specific patient populations. We identified 1452 unique records, of which 34 met our inclusion criteria. 23 studies, with an acceptable risk of bias and where PH was diagnosed at right heart catheterisation or echocardiography, were included in the meta-analysis. In post-TB studies (14/23), the prevalence of PH was 67.0% (95% CI 50.8-81.4) in patients with chronic respiratory failure, 42.4% (95% CI 31.3-54.0) in hospitalised or symptomatic patients and 6.3% (95% CI 2.3-11.8) in nonhealthcare-seeking outpatients (I2=96%). There was a lower estimated prevalence of PH in studies of populations with active TB (9.4%, 95% CI 6.3-13.0), I2=84%). Our results highlight the significant burden of PH in post-TB and active TB populations. We emphasise the need for increased recognition of TB-associated PH and additional high-quality prevalence data.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Pulmonary Hypertension With and Without Interstitial Lung Disease in Scleroderma

Background: Scleroderma associated pulmonary arterial hypertension and interstitial lung disease (ILD) with pulmonary hypertension are considered to be separate pathological processes with different approach to management. In this study, we looked at the demographics, clinical features, and outcome of patients with both type of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis Methods: Patients diagnosed with scleroderma and with pulmonary hypertension as per transthoracic ECHO in the time period between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively identified enrolled in the study. They were divided into two groups-isolated PAH and ILD-PH. ECHO parameters, clinical data were recorded Results: There were 800 patients with a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis during this period. In total, 49 incident scleroderma PH cases were identified (6.13%); 25 with diffuse cutaneous SSc (51.02%), 19 with limited cutaneous SSc (38.78%), and 5 with sine scleroderma (10.2%). Among the study group, 39 (79.59%) patients had ILD with PH and 10 (20.4%) had isolated PH (Table 1). Though the baseline ECHO parameters were similar in both the groups, features of severe PH - Right atrial and ventricular dilatation with Right ventricular dysfunction was more in Isolated PH than ILD-PH (50% vs 23%). Other clinical features were similar in both the groups (Table 2). Isolated PH was treated with vasodilatory therapy and all patients with ILD -PAH were treated with immunosuppression along with vasodilatory therapy. Follow up of ECHO parameters of the two groups at the end of 2 years showed better improvement in the ILD-PH group. Unsatisfactory long-term outcome as defined by clinical NYHA progression, hospitalization and need for long term oxygen therapy was similar in both isolated PH and PH-ILD (40% vs 41%). 1 year survival was 95.9% (2/49 lost to follow up). Conclusions: The prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension in our scleroderma cohort of a tertiary care center was 6.13%. ILD-PH was 4 times more prevalent than isolated PH.46.94% of all our PH patients had it at presentation. The one-year survival of our cohort was 95.9% almost equivalent to other international cohorts

Prevalence and predictors of pulmonary hypertension in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms: single-center study

Background Pulmonary hypertension is a major complication of several hematologic disorders including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Despite the potential significance of PH to the management and prognosis of MPN, accurate estimates of its prevalence in MPNs and risk factors for the condition are poorly established. Aim To determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with MPNs at Sohag University Hospital and to analyze data of those patients to find predictors of pulmonary hypertension in our patients. Patients and methods A total of 120 patients were diagnosed with MPNs according to the revised 2016 WHO diagnostic criteria who attended the Outpatient Hematology Clinic at Sohag University Hospital in the period from April 2021 to October 2022. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) by using Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is determined in all MPNs patients enrolled in our study. Results The overall prevalence of PH in MPN patients was found to be 26.7%. We found a significant relationship between old age, long MPN duration since diagnosis, presence of PMF, anemia, leukocytosis, hyperuricemia, and occurrence of PH. Conclusion The prevalence of PH in patients with MPNs was 26.7%. According to MPNs subtypes, the highest PH prevalence was in PMF patients. Our findings suggest that old age, long MPNs duration since diagnosis, presence of PMF, and hyperuricemia are valuable for predicting PH occurrence in patients with MPNs.

Assessment of the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and volume status in Regular hemodialysis patients

Assessment of the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and volume status in Regular hemodialysis patients

Pulmonary hypertension within individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objective: To establish the frequency in regards to pulmonary hypertension within individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Pulmonology Division of Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Period: January, 2023 to April, 2023. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 200 patients of both male and female patients with age from 40 to 70 years having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included by nonprobability consecutive sampling. Patients with history of other respiratory disease like interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis, allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), sarcoidosis, occupational lung diseases, asthma, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, collagen vascular disease were factored out of the study. Cardiac echocardiography was performed in all the patients and pulmonary hypertension as assessed. Results: In this study, 87 (43.5%) were between 40-55 years of age while 113 (56.5%) were within the ages of 56-70, and thus the mean age was 57.28±8.44 years. 131 (65.5%) patients were male and 69 (34.5%) were females. 49 (24.5%), 103 (51.5%) and 48 (24%) patients had mild, moderate and severe COPD respectively. Pulmonary hypertension was found in 105 (52.5%) patients. Pulmonary hypertension is more prevalent in severe cases of COPD than mild and moderate patients with p-value = 0.0001. Conclusion: Patients with chronic obstructive lung disease have a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension. This is shown to be more common within patients suffering from severe cases of COPD.

Pulmonary and Systemic Hemodynamics in Patients with Hyperthyroidism

BackgroundThere is an association between hyperthyroidism and pulmonary hypertension. However, the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in hyperthyroidism and the underlying mechanisms are incompletely defined. MethodsConsecutive patients with severe hyperthyroidism, mostly due to Graves disease, were included in this single-center study. Echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics was performed at the time of hyperthyroidism diagnosis (baseline) and after normalization of thyroid hormones (follow-up; median 11 months). In a subset of patients, right heart catheterization and noninvasive assessment of central hemodynamics was performed. ResultsAmong all 99 patients, 31% had pulmonary hypertension at baseline. The estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure correlated significantly with the estimated left ventricular filling pressure (E/e′). The invasively measured systolic pulmonary artery pressure correlated well with the estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure. Cardiac output, E/e′, left and right ventricular dimensions were significantly reduced from baseline to follow-up, whereas the estimated pulmonary vascular resistance did not differ. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher at follow-up, with no change in systolic blood pressure. The central systolic blood pressure, however, exhibited a trend for a reduction at follow-up, while the pulse wave velocity was significantly lower at follow-up. ConclusionsApproximately one-third of patients with hyperthyroidism have evidence of pulmonary hypertension. Our data suggest that an increased cardiac output and left ventricular filling pressure are the main mechanisms underlying the elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure in hyperthyroidism, whereas there is no evidence of significant pulmonary vascular disease.

Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea and its relation to disease severity.

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using echocardiographic (ECHO) parameters and to examine ECHO findings as they relate to severity of OSA. A retrospective cohort study of patients with OSA undergoing polysomnogram and ECHO within 30 days of each other, between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, was performed, excluding cardiac disease. ECHO evidence of PHTN was defined as ≥ 2 of the following: tricuspid regurgitation velocity > 3.0 m/s, pulmonary acceleration/ejection time ratio < 0.3, left ventricular eccentricity index > 1.5, and right ventricular dysfunction or abnormal geometry. ECHO parameters were compared to OSA severity using obstructive apnea-hypopnea index, percent of time with oxygen saturation < 90%, and percent of time with end-tidal carbon dioxide > 50 mmHg. Odds ratios were calculated for each comorbidity to evaluate for risk factors. Of 509 patients, 4.3% were found to have echocardiographic evidence of PHTN. Neither obstructive apnea-hypopnea index severity nor worsening hypoxemia or hypercarbia correlated with worsening ECHO parameters. Comorbidities including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (odds ratio, 5.22, 2.01-13.53), prematurity (odds ratio, 3.10, 1.28-7.47), and autism (odds ratio, 3.69, 1.01-13.49) were associated with increased odds of PHTN. Significant echocardiographic evidence of PHTN was seen in 4.3% of children with OSA. ECHO findings of PHTN did not correlate with polysomnogram parameters. Comorbidities, particularly bronchopulmonary dysplasia, prematurity, and autism, appear to be a risk factor for developing PHTN in patients with OSA. Milligan I, Shaw AK, Leu R, Kanaan U, Michelfelder E. Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea and its relation to disease severity. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):675-680.