Epoprostenol therapy for primary pulmonary hypertension

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 155: 200-201

Source: Barst RJ, Rubin LJ, Long WA et al: A comparison of continuous intravenous epoprostenol (prostacyclin) with conventional therapy for primary pulmonary hypertension. N Engl J Med 1996; 334: 296-301

Researchers in the United States and Canada conducted a randomized, multicentre trial to compare the efficacy of continuous intravenous infusion of epoprostenol (formerly called prostacyclin) with that of conventional therapy in improving exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in 81 patients with persistent severe primary pulmonary hypertension. Epoprostenol was infused through a permanent subclavian or jugular catheter using a portable pump. After 12 weeks the epoprostenol group showed significant improvements in exercise endurance, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, functional status and quality of life, whereas in the control group exercise capacity and hemodynamic function tended to remain unchanged or to deteriorate. Survival was significantly improved in the epoprostenol group. The most serious complications of epoprostenol therapy were related to the delivery system and included catheter-related sepsis and thrombosis.

| CMAJ July 15, 1996 (vol 155, no 2) | International digest |