Safety and tolerability of transition from inhaled treprostinil to oral selexipag in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the TRANSIT-1 study.

Background: A long-term trial showed that the oral prostacyclin (PGl) receptor (IP) agonist, selexipag, delayed disease progression in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Transition to selexipag in patients treated with more burdensome inhaled therapies that target the prostacyclin pathway may be considered by patients and physicians. The Phase 3b, prospective, open-label TRANSIT-1 (Tolerability and Safety of the Transition From Inhaled Treprostinil to Oral Selexipag in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) study evaluated the safety and tolerability of transition from inhaled treprostinil to oral selexipag.

Favorable outcome of pregnancy with an elective use of epoprostenol and sildenafil in women with severe pulmonary hypertension.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension carries significant maternal and fetal risk during pregnancy and the postpartum period. As maternal mortality is high, specific targeted therapy for pulmonary hypertension may be required during pregnancy.

Cases: We describe 2 pregnant patients who presented with severe secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension during their last trimester.

Clinical profile and predictors of complications in peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Background: Clinical profile and predictors of major adverse events (MAE) associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have not been characterized.

Methods And Results: A retrospective review and analysis of clinical data of 182 patients with PPCM. Forty-six patients had >or=1 MAE, including death (13), heart transplantation (11), temporary circulatory support (4), cardiopulmonary arrest (6), fulminant pulmonary edema (17), thromboembolic complications (4), and defibrillator or pacemaker implantation (10).

Impact of acute serum creatinine elevation in patients treated with nesiritide.

Background: We assessed the effect of increases in serum creatinine on mortality in nesiritide-treated versus control subjects with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Hypothesis: Mortality effect of nesiritide-related increases in serum creatinine differs from that of standard therapies.

Methods: Scios Inc.

Vasodilators in the management of acute heart failure.

Recent guidelines by the Heart Failure Society of America have recommended consideration for use of nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, or nesiritide in addition to diuretics to achieve hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement. This article reviews the results of previous studies evaluating the pharmacologic and clinical effects and safety profiles of these drugs in patients with heart failure.

Renal Vasodilatory Action of Dopamine in Patients With Heart Failure: Magnitude of Effect and Site of Action.

BACKGROUND: A "renal dose" of dopamine is often used to increase renal blood flow; however, data on the magnitude of effect and site of action in patients with heart failure are scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS: Renal effects of intravenous dopamine (1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 mug . kg(-1) .

Variable response of conductance and resistance coronary arteries to endothelial stimulation in patients with heart failure due to nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Unlabelled: Attenuation of endothelial-dependent coronary vasodilation has been reported in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and anatomically normal coronaries; however, data are insufficient for understanding the incidence and extent of this finding. The response of conductance and resistance coronary arteries to endothelial stimulation with acetylcholine was examined in 25 patients. Coronary blood flow had a variable response to acetylcholine and suggested coronary endothelial dysfunction in approximately half of the patients.