[Algorithm for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension].

Abstract

ALGORITHM FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. The management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has improved significantly in recent years due to advances in the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease, the development of innovative medications and the use of more aggressive therapeutic strategies. Because PAH is a rare disease, it must be managed in a pulmonary hypertension (PH) expert center. PAH management combines general measures, symptomatic treatments and «specific» therapies targeting the vasoconstriction/vasodilation and pro-proliferation/anti-proliferation balance of the pulmonary arteries. Despite major therapeutic advances in recent years, the prognosis for PAH remains poor and lung transplantation (or cardiopulmonary) transplantation is currently the only curative treatment available for the most severe patients.