Inhalation of endothelin receptor blockers in pulmonary hypertension.

Endothelin 1 (ET-1) is a potent pulmonary vasoconstrictor and mediator of lung diseases. Antagonism of the ET-1-mediated effects has become an important therapeutic approach. ET-1 (A and B) receptors are differentially distributed in the lung vasculature.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and renal insufficiency as predictors of mortality in pulmonary hypertension.

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a byproduct of the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) that was shown to be of prognostic value in pulmonary hypertension (PH). The role of NT-proBNP in PH has to be determined, especially under the influence of renal impairment that might lead to an accumulation of the peptide, and may be a sign of increased mortality per se.

Methods: We assessed NT-proBNP, BNP, renal function, and hemodynamic parameters (during right-heart catheterization) in 118 consecutive patients with isolated PH, excluding left-heart disease.

Brain natriuretic peptide is a prognostic parameter in chronic lung disease.

Rationale: The detection of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic lung disease has prognostic implications. The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been suggested as a noninvasive marker for the presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension.

Objectives: We evaluated circulating BNP levels as a parameter for the presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic lung disease.