CHEST 2008: New Pulmonary Hypertension Research Presented

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation;  Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 29 Oct 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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#6363 TADALAFIL PROVES EFFECTIVE THERAPY FOR PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

New research shows that the erectile dysfunction drug, tadalafil, may be an effective adjunct therapy for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Italian researchers randomized 405 patients with PAH, of whom 53 percent were taking concomitant bosentan, to two study arms. The groups received either tadalafil or placebo orally once daily as monotherapy or as add-on therapy to bosentan. Compared with placebo, tadalafil, 40 mg, increased 6-minute walk distance, delayed the time to clinical worsening, and improved six of the eight short form (SF)-36 domains. In addition, tadalafil, 40 mg, increased cardiac output and reduced pulmonary artery pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance compared with baseline. Discontinuation due to adverse events was low (11 percent for tadalafil vs. 16 percent for placebo). Researchers conclude that tadalafil may provide an effective oral, once-daily therapy that can be combined with bosentan therapy for patients with PAH.

#7447 PULMONARY HYPERTENSION DEMOGRAPHICS CHANGE (Wednesday, October 29, 1:00 PM EST)

Despite increased awareness of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the disease is being diagnosed later and in women who are reaching middle age, according to research from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. The researchers looked at data from the current REVEAL registry compared with the original National Institutes of Health registry, the French Registry, and a large, single-center US registry. The REVEAL registry confirms that in the 21st century, the US population of patients with PAH is older (mean age of 48), with a higher female preponderance of PAH (4:1) than reported previously. In addition, despite increased awareness of PAH, the time from symptoms to diagnosis has increased by 10 months.

Source: Jennifer Stawarz
American College of Chest Physicians