The IKONIA Cohort: A Tertiary Center’s Five-Year Experience in Pulmonary Hypertension Management

Abstract

Aim and Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease that significantly impacts patient morbidity and mortality. The recent ESC/ERS Guidelines classify PH into five groups, emphasizing the need for specific treatment in certain subgroups. This study presents a 5-year follow-up of patients diagnosed with precapillary PH at our center, aiming to analyze treatment outcomes and associated clinical characteristics.

Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 65 patients diagnosed with precapillary PH between January 2018 and January 2024. Comprehensive assessments including medical history, echocardiography, and laboratory tests were performed. Treatment efficacy was evaluated through echocardiographic and laboratory parameter changes.

Results: The cohort primarily consisted of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, and 40% received combination therapy. Notable improvements were observed in pulmonary artery pressure, tricuspid regurgitant velocity, and hemodynamic parameters. Despite therapeutic intervention, a mortality rate of 15.4% was recorded, highlighting the complexity of PH management.

Conclusion: This study underscores the multifaceted nature of PH and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal diagnosis and management. While combination therapy shows promise in improving patient outcomes, the persistent mortality rate emphasizes the need for enhanced awareness and early diagnosis in PH.