International journal of clinical practice. Supplement
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Int J Clin Pract Suppl · Nov 2010
ReviewHow has epoprostenol changed the outcome for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressure, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Prior to 1995, there were no approved therapies for PAH. ⋯ Due to the mode of delivery of epoprostenol, i.e. continuous intravenous infusion 24/7 via an indwelling central venous line, there are significant side effects than can occur with its use, e.g. bacteremia, sepsis, thromboembolic events, that can be fatal. Furthermore, there is significant variability in the optimal dose in both children and adult patients. It remains unclear why there is such dose variability between patients to achieve optimal efficacy. Furthermore, its mechanism(s) of action remain unclear.