Persistence of complex vascular lesions despite prolonged prostacyclin therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Continuous infusion of prostacyclin analogues improves survival in advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension. In addition to its vasodilatory effects, prostacyclin has the potential to decrease inflammation, thrombosis, and smooth muscle proliferation. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether pathological data support the ability of prostanoids to prevent progression of vascular disease.

Methods and results

Twenty-two autopsied patients with World Health Organization category 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (primarily idiopathic and connective tissue disease-associated) were divided into those who received long-term prostacyclin (n = 12, PG-long, mean treatment 3.9 years) and those who received 0-1 month of prostacyclin (n = 10, PG-short). Surprisin

SUBMITTER: Pogoriler JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4143476 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature