Don Stevenson, also known as the Pacing Parson, is marking his 80th birthday with a 1,000-mile benefit and awareness walk for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), a nonprofit group dedicated to extending and improving the lives of those affected by pulmonary hypertension (PH). The PHA is asking the public to support Stevenson in his efforts.
News
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) recently announced the three pulmonary hypertension (PH) researchers chosen to receive its 2015 Robyn Barst Pediatric PH Research and Mentoring Awards. According to a press release, the three $50,000 award winners, whose work will also be mentored for a year, are: David Brian…
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) announced that three more centers recently received Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center (PHCC) accreditation, raising the total number of PHA-accredited clinics to 32 across the U.S. In addition to acknowledging a high level of patient care, accreditation allows these centers to contribute to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry…
Prostacyclin analogs have substantially improved pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment, but the use of these drugs is hampered by the difficulties and risks of treating patients with continuous intravenous infusions. A new overview highlighted the development of oral prostacyclins, focusing on the drug treprostinil (Orenitram). The overview was published under the…
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) carrying mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2) gene have a worse prognosis, namely decreased survival rates and higher risk for lung transplantation. The findings were in a study titled “BMPR2 mutations and survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension: an…
People newly diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are at greater risk of disease progression than PAH patients sick for more than six months, a finding that highlights the importance of early treatment, researchers reported. Their study, “Incident and prevalent cohorts with pulmonary arterial hypertension: insight from SERAPHIN“, was published in the…
Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., recently announced that the selective IP receptor agonist Uptravi (selexipag) has been granted Notice of Compliance (NOC) approval by Health Canada for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Uptravi (selexipag) was originally discovered and synthesized by Nippon Shinyaku as an oral, prostacyclin receptor agonist formulated…
A study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham showed that the immune receptor TLR4 is important for regulating the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Mice lacking the gene for TLR4 spontaneously developed PAH, indicating a protective role for the immune factor. Chronic hypoxia — low levels of oxygen —…
A case report from Texas Children’s Hospital described a 5-year-old boy with a newly identified mutation in the BMP9 gene leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Many PAH cases are associated with genetic mutations, most frequently in the immune-related TGF-beta signaling pathways. BMP9 – also known as GDF2 – belongs…
The phaware global association knows the soon-to-be-played Super Bowl 50 will attract plenty of fans and attention — and it’s teaming with the biggest sporting event in the U.S. (and a popular one elsewhere) to kick off its 2016 pulmonary hypertension global awareness campaign — Engage for a Cure — with the BIG GAME…
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common condition in infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart defects, and it is a main contributor to morbidity and death following surgery. For this reason, the drug iloprost is often given these infants after surgery, as it is known to induce blood vessel relaxation and decrease…
Targeting the nitric oxide deficiency resulting from pulmonary arterial hypertension through drugs such as sildenafil is a cornerstone of PAH treatment. A new study showed that sildenafil decreased the signs of oxidative stress by reducing hydroxynonenal (HNE) in patients, but was unable to lower elevated levels of free fatty acids in the blood. The results suggested…
