Pulmonary edema during acute infusion of epoprostenol in a patient with pulmonary hypertension and limited scleroderma.
Epoprostenol (prostacyclin) is currently approved for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension; however, it is being evaluated in other forms of pulmonary hypertension, particularly scleroderma. Side effects associated with this medication are usually minor; serious complications are most often due to the delivery system required for continuous infusion. We describe a life threatening side effect of acute epoprostenol infusion (pulmonary edema) in a patient with pulmonary hypertension associated with limited scleroderma and discuss its management and potential etiology. This is the first case where epoprostenol has been successfully reinstituted.
Farber
H W
HW
Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA. hfarber@bupula.bu.edu
Graven
K K
KK
Kokolski
G
G
Korn
J H
JH
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000150:complications*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D011464:Epoprostenol