PAH Flashcards
Class I PAH
Pts w/ pulm HTN but w/o resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause dyspnea or fatigue, CP, or near syncope
Class II PAH
Pts w/ pulm HTN resulting in slight limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Ordinary activities cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, CP or near syncope
Class III PAH
Pts w/ pulm HTN resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, CP, or near syncope.
Class IV PAH
Pts w/ pulm HTN w/ inability to carry out physical activity without sx. These pts manifest signs of RHF. Dyspnea and or fatigue may even be present at rest.
Which pts are recommended to have the vasopressor test?
Group I PAH
What types of vasodilators are administered in a vasopressor test?
Epoprostenol, adenosine, inhaled nitric oxide
What is a + vasopressor test?
- pulm artery pressure fall greater than or equal to 10 mmHg
- Mean pulm art pressure is less than or equal to 40 mmHg
- CO is unchanged or ↑
When to use CCBs?
-about 1/2 responders will achieve sustained functional improvement and prolonged survival with calcium channel blockers; CCBs are potentially deleterious in non-responders
PAH pts that have a positive response are those with___?
Idiopathic, familial or anorexigenic-induced PAH
PAH pts that are not likely to respond to vasopressor test?
Those with PAH caused by a connective tissue dz, HIV, toxins, etc.
What routine treatments have little impact on PAH progression?
- Anticoagulants
- Diuretics
- Oxygen therapy (maintain >90%)
How is PAH treated?
- No cure
- Prognosis influenced by class; starting treatment earlier –> better prognosis w/ delayed progression
- Thos in Class II can rapidly deteriorate within 6 months to more advanced PAH if untreated
How is PAH diagnosed?
- The Gold Standard is a right heart cath
- mPAP greater than or equal to 25 mmHg (nml = 14 +/-3)
- PCWP less than or equal to 15 mmHg
Diagnostic approach & pivotal tests for evaluating Pulm HTN?
Initially CXR and EKG –> echo –> final diagnosis made vie R heart cath
Risk factors for pulm art HTN?
- Family Hx of PAH
- Genetic mutation for PAH in pt or 1st-dgree relative: BMPR2, TBXA2, KNCK3, EIF2AK4, Caveolin-1
- Limited cutaneous scleroderma or mixed CT dz: FVC/DLCO > 1.6, DLCO < 60%, BNP > 2x nml
- HIV infection
- Portal HTN
- Exposure to drugs or toxins (fen/phen weight loss pills, aminorex, methamphetamine, dastinib)
- Congenital heart dz w/ surgically repaired left-to-right shunt within 3-6 months