Predictive factors of right heart catheterization to diagnose pulmonary arterial hypertension using least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression.

Abstract

Objective: This study involved an analysis of a real world, international survey where physicians provided cross-sectional, retrospective data for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine predictive factors of right heart catheterization (RHC) to confirm their PAH diagnosis.

Methods: Data were sourced from the Adelphi PAH Disease Specific Programme (DSP) in the United States (US), France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, and Japan, between March and August 2022.

Results: Overall, 75% (n = 395) of patients with PAH (n = 529) underwent RHC at diagnosis; this varied by country, ranging from 64% in the US to 92% in France. RHC was more likely to be performed in patients with a higher New York Heart Association Functional Class, with key PAH symptoms (dyspnea, palpitations, and cyanosis), and diagnosed at PH specialist centers.

Conclusion: By understanding the factors associated with RHC utilization at PAH diagnosis, more targeted approaches for improving the diagnosis for patients with suspected PAH may be pursued.