Inhaled Treprostinil: Improvements in Hemodynamics and Quality of Life for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on Dual or Triple Therapy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) leads to right ventricular failure and death. Inhaled treprostinil, a tricyclic benzindene prostacyclin analog, has become available, but evidence regarding its clinical efficacy and quality-of-life (QoL) benefits—particularly in patients already receiving optimized combination vasodilator therapy—remains limited. Methods: Inhaled treprostinil was introduced to nine patients with PAH already receiving combination therapy with pulmonary vasodilators. Acute hemodynamic effects were assessed during initial right heart catheterization, and long-term effects were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Exercise tolerance was assessed by the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) test and cardiopulmonary exercise testing, while QoL was evaluated using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12). Results: Mean pulmonary arterial pressure significantly improved both acutely (48.9 ± 17.8 to 43.7 ± 14.5 mmHg, p = 0.036) and at 3 months (46.4 ± 16.1 to 39.8 ± 14.1 mmHg, p = 0.014). Pulmonary vascular resistance tended to decrease, while 6MWD outcomes remained unchanged. QoL improved, with KCCQ-12 overall and clinical summary scores increasing from 59.1 ± 27.4 to 67.1 ± 26.5 and 78.1 ± 26.3 to 87.5 ± 21.2, respectively. Conclusions: Treprostinil inhalation improved hemodynamics and patient-reported outcomes despite prior combination improved hemodynamics and tended to enhance QoL in patients with PAH receiving combination vasodilator therapy.
Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI: 10.3390/jcm14248776
Authors: Shogo Ikegami, Takahiro Hiraide, Takashi Maeda, Mizuki Momoi, Yoshiki Shinya, Atsushi Anzai, Yasuyuki Shiraishi, Yoshinori Katsumata, Masaki Ieda
Institutions: Keio University, Keio University Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7114811216