News

Immune cell metabolism may point to PAH treatment strategy

A study found that changes in immune cell metabolism may underlie increases in inflammatory signaling molecules in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), suggesting that targeting immune cell metabolism could be a treatment strategy for the condition. The study, “Metabolic changes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells…

PAH therapies extend survival in portopulmonary hypertension

People with portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH), a form of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) usually associated with liver disease, show lower five-year survival rates than people with other types of PAH. Common markers that help predict outcomes in other PAH forms failed to identify high-risk patients in this group, however. But…

Early treatment aids in recovery of boy with chemotherapy-linked PAH

A 5-year-old boy with a neuroblastoma developed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) after receiving high-dose busulfan to prepare for a stem cell transplant, but diagnosing his condition early and treating it with three lung pressure-lowering medications led to a full recovery. This treatment approach has significantly increased survival in children…

Study finds possible diagnostic biomarkers for idiopathic PAH

Researchers identified two genes — PRDX1 and TNFAIP3 — whose activity levels could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The genes are related to ferroptosis, an iron-dependent type of cell death involved in lung diseases and previously associated with PAH. “Our comprehensive analysis…

Stem cell exosomes may be hypoxic pulmonary hypertension therapy

Exosomes — very small, sac-like structures — derived from stem cells may offer a potential treatment for hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) by preventing the abnormal growth and movement of muscle cells lining blood vessels. That’s according to data from a new study, conducted by researchers in China using lab-grown…

Looking at why clinicians prescribe PAH combination vs. monotherapy

Among U.S. healthcare providers who treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a patient’s current treatment, PAH cause, and coexisting health issues are the factors that most influence their willingness to prescribe first-line combination therapy over monotherapy, according to a new study. Most clinicians said they felt a single tablet combination…

Lung transplant referrals lacking for PAH patients: Study

Most people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are not referred for a lung transplant, despite clinical recommendations that referral should occur early in potentially eligible cases, a study reports. About 18% to 29% of participants with advanced functional class 4 disease, who guidelines recommend referrals for, received referrals.