Epoprostenol in pregnant patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension: two case reports and a review of the literature.
Women who present with pulmonary hypertension during gestation have traditionally been persuaded to terminate their pregnancy. Historically, the mortality associated with this group is very high. Certain patients with a secondary cause of pulmonary hypertension are believed to share similar pathophysiology with primary pulmonary hypertension patients. Recently, new treatments have become available that have slowed disease progression. We present the successful treatment of two patients who presented during late gestation with moderate pulmonary hypertension. Both patients were managed with intravenous vasodilators and anticoagulants without complication. Each patient successfully delivered a healthy child via spontaneous vaginal delivery. The review of the historical management of similar patients including new insights into the etiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension is also included. It highlights the complexity involved in managing such patients and the requirement of a multidisiplinary team approach.
Avdalovic
Mark
M
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California 95817, USA. mark.avdalovic@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Sandrock
Christian
C
Hoso
Andrea
A
Allen
Roblee
R
Albertson
Timothy E
TE
D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D011464:Epoprostenol