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If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with PPH or PAH, please fill out this form for a free case evaluation.
PPH/PAH Treatments
The objectives in treating PPH/PAH are to address the underlying cause, minimize symptoms, slow the development of smooth muscle cells and blood clots, and potentially increase blood flow to the heart.
PPH/PAH is treated with medicines, oxygen therapy and lung transplantation.
Medicines Approved by the FDA to Treat PPH/PAH
Epoprostenol (Flolan, Remodulin) can be taken intravenously to widen the arteries in the lungs and stop blood clots. It is regarded as the most effective treatment for PPAH, and it is thought to be beneficial in treating severe SPAH. Another form of this drug, iloprost was approved December 2004. Iloprost can be inhaled through a nebulizer, allowing it to go right to the lungs.
Treprostinil can be administered under the skin to ease the tension in the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the lungs, resulting in less work for the heart.
Bosentan is a new treatment available in a pill. It expands the arteries in the lungs and lowers blood pressure. However, since it is new to the market, patients must be observed closely for any complications, particularly with the liver.
Nitric Oxide Inhalation triggers the opening of the pulmonary arteries and has recently been approved by the FDA for treatment.
Sildenafil (Viagra® Revatio)has demonstrated improvement in PAH patients because of its ability to open the pulmonary arteries.
Other Additional Medications
Anticoagulants can be used to minimize the formation of blood clots.
Calcium Channel Blockers can be taken to calm the blood vessels and boost the amount of blood and oxygen going to the heart. Calcium Channel Blockers are very effective but only for a small group of patients, and patients taking them must be observed closely.
Diuretics (Water pills) may improve symptoms and the heart's function.
Oxygen Therapy is used as an ongoing treatment if oxygen levels are low. It is provided through a mask or nasal prongs.
Lung Transplantation replaces the diseased lung(s) with a healthy one or ones from a human donor. This surgery is recommended when the current medications available no longer work. However, medication must be taken for life to lower the chances of the body rejecting the donated lung(s).
Other Potential Treatments
Research is being conducted to determine if stem cell transplantation in conjunction with gene therapy may offer a cure for PAH.