[Experience with imatinib to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension].
Despite advances in the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), survival has not improved greatly (is still very affected). Imatinib, an antagonist of platelet-derived growth factor with antiproliferative activity, has been effective in experimental models and clinically in several published reports. We report the results of imatinib therapy in 4 patients with PAH (functional class IV) who were refractory to treatment with drug combinations for this condition. The final outcome was favorable in only 1 of the 4 cases. In this case, the patient was in functional class III and his hemodynamic parameters had improved significantly within 5 months after starting therapy. However, the patient died as a result of severe toxic hepatitis in which imatinib may have played a role. The present report adds to the few already in the literature (4 cases) and suggests that care should continue to be shown when using imatinib to treat PAH.
García Hernández
Francisco José
FJ
Unidad de Colagenosis e Hipertensión Pulmonar, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, España. fjgarciah@eresmas.com
Castillo Palma
María Jesús
MJ
González León
Rocío
R
Garrido Rasco
Rocío
R
Ocaña Medina
Celia
C
Sánchez Román
Julio
J
D000328:Adult; D001549:Benzamides; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate