New insights into the recognition, classification and management of systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension

• Published in: Current opinion in rheumatology Vol. 29; no. 6; pp. 561 - 567
• Main Authors: Mullin, Christopher J, Mathai, Stephen C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Copyright Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved 01-11-2017
• Subjects: Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary - classification; Hypertension, Pulmonary - drug therapy; Hypertension, Pulmonary - etiology; Scleroderma, Systemic - complications; Vasodilator Agents - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 1040-8711; 1531-6963
• DOI: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000440

PURPOSE OF REVIEWPulmonary hypertension is a common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. We will review recent developments in the recognition, classification and treatment of pulmonary hypertension in SSc.
RECENT FINDINGSAdvances in screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and use of exercise haemodynamics may help to identify pulmonary vascular disease earlier in SSc. Recent studies have led to changes in recommendations for adjunct therapy and selection of pulmonary vasodilators for the treatment of SSc-associated PAH.
SUMMARYRecent advances in the diagnosis, classification and management of pulmonary hypertension in SSc have continued to improve our understanding of this challenging disease. Ongoing investigation in the pathogenesis of this disease will afford the opportunity to develop targeted therapies to improve outcomes for SSc patients with pulmonary hypertension.