[Clinical analysis of 150 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension].

Objective: To explore the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) in China.

Methods: Between March 2007 and September 2010, IPAH diagnosis was confirmed by right heart catheterization in 150 adult patients from 31 clinical centers in China. Clinical and hemodynamic data were analyzed and patients were divided into WHO functional class I/II and WHO functional class III/IV group.

[Multicenter study of disease attributes in adult patients with pulmonary hypertension].

Objective: To understand the demographic, hemodynamic and clinical features of adult patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in China.

Methods: Between May 2007 and October 2010, a total of 551 adult PH patients were recruited from 31 clinical centers all over China. All fulfilled the traditional hemodynamic criteria diagnosed through right heart catheterization (RHC).

Inhaled low-dose iloprost for pulmonary hypertension: a prospective, multicenter, open-label study.

Background: Inhaled iloprost (average >30 µg/d) has been considered an effective treatment for severe pulmonary hypertension (PH). Further evidence also showed that low-dose iloprost given intravenously was equally effective as high-dose iloprost in the therapy of systemic sclerosis.

Hypothesis: Patients with pulmonary hypertension will benefit from inhalation of low-dose iloprost.

[Sildenafil therapy for pulmonary hypertension: a prospective study].

Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of oral sildenafil therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and to provide evidence for sildenafil treatment for Chinese patients with PAH.

Methods: In this 12-week, prospective, open-label, uncontrolled study, 56 patients with PAH were given oral sildenafil (25 mg, tid). The primary end point was change from baseline to 12 weeks in exercise capacity assessed by 6 min walk (6MW) test.

The efficacy and safety of sildenafil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with the different types of congenital heart disease.

Background: The difference in underlying pathophysiology in different congenital heart disease (CHD) may have an influence on clinical outcome. It remains unclear whether the effect of sildenafil on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) varies in different types of CHD.

Hypothesis: The potential effect of sildenafil on pulmonary arterial hypertension related to CHD may be associated with shunt location.

[Preliminary study on the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension in China].

Objective: Sildenafil has been shown to be effective in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of sildenafil on PAH has been under-investigated in China. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in PAH patients in China.

Impact of sildenafil therapy on pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults with congenital heart disease.

Background: It has been demonstrated that sildenafil is effective in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of sildenafil on PAH in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has been less investigated.

Objective: In this prospective, open-label, uncontrolled and multicenter study, 60 patients with PAH related to CHD received oral sildenafil (75 mg/day) for 12 weeks.