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Biomedical subjects

Michael D McGoon

Publications and source records attributed to Michael D McGoon.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Unexplained pulmonary hypertension in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) preferentially affects young women. However, a subset of patients with IPAH is elderly. Our objective was to compare elderly (age >/= 65 years) vs younger persons with unexplained pulmonary hypertension (PH) and a presumptive diagnosis of IPAH. METHODS: Clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and survival data were collected on consecutive patients with suspected IPAH after evaluation in a large tertiary center PH clinic. RESULTS: Of 197 patients (mean age +/- SD, 52 +/- 16 years; 80% female), 48 patients (24%) were elderly. Elderly and younger patients had similar symptom severity, systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (82.7 +/- 20.3 mm Hg vs 86.9 +/- 18.8 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.21), and severity of right ventricular enlargement and dysfunction. Elderly patients had higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) [15.3 +/- 7.3 mm Hg vs 11.1 +/- 5.3 mm Hg; p < 0.0001] and more frequently failed (56%) to meet hemodynamic criteria for IPAH (PH with PCWP < 15 mm Hg) than did younger patients (19%). Elderly patients also had higher systemic systolic (p < 0.0001) and pulse (p < 0.0001) pressures and more cardiovascular disease. Among those patients with normal PCWP, elderly patients had worse survival than young patients (p = 0.007). Among those patients with elevated PCWP, elderly patients had lower PA pressures (p = 0.04) and better survival (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with clinically suspected IPAH often fail to meet hemodynamic criteria for IPAH due to elevated PCWP. Studies to define the proper diagnostic strategy and the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vasodilators in elderly patients with unexplained PH are needed.

Age Factors↗

Relationship of BMPR2 mutations to vasoreactivity in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Vasoreactivity tests are fundamental in evaluating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Mutations of the transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor gene, BMPR2, predispose to the development of pulmonary hypertension and may alter the response to vasodilators. Previous investigations have not examined the relationship of BMPR2 mutations to vasoreactivity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 133 consecutive unrelated patients with either idiopathic or familial PAH. Sixty-six patients were excluded because we lacked either DNA samples (n=18) or complete data from a vasoreactivity test (n=48). The remaining 67 patients were screened for BMPR2 DNA sequence variations, and specific variations were confirmed by gene sequencing. The vasoreactivity of patients with nonsynonymous BMPR2 variations was compared with that of patients without nonsynonymous BMPR2 variations. We found nonsynonymous BMPR2 variations in 27 of 67 patients with idiopathic (n=16 of 52) or familial (n=11 of 15) PAH. Vasoreactivity was identified in 3.7% of 27 patients with nonsynonymous BMPR2 variations and in 35% of 40 patients without nonsynonymous BMPR2 variations (P=0.003). Five of the 27 nonsynonymous variations occur commonly in healthy individuals. None of the remaining 22 patients with BMPR2 variations demonstrated vasoreactivity, and the analysis remained unchanged when we assumed that nonsynonymous BMPR2 variations were present in all 15 patients with familial PAH. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with familial or idiopathic PAH and nonsynonymous BMPR2 variations are unlikely to demonstrate vasoreactivity. Further trials are required to determine whether long-term therapy can be directed by tests for BMPR2 variations.

Adolescent↗

Relationship of pulmonary arterial capacitance and mortality in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if pulmonary vascular capacitance predicts survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with IPAH is difficult to predict, despite knowledge of clinical and hemodynamic parameters previously identified as predictors. METHODS: We proposed a capacitance index of stroke volume divided by pulmonary pulse pressure (SV/PP) and prospectively gathered data on IPAH patients who underwent a right heart catheterization. SV/PP was analyzed as a predictor of mortality after adjusting for other modifiers of risk. RESULTS: During 4-year follow-up of 104 patients, 21 patients died. When compared with conventional markers, SV/PP was the strongest univariate predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 17.0 per ml.mm Hg(-1) decrease, 95% confidence interval 13.0 to 22.0; p < 0.0001). In successive bivariate analysis, SV/PP was the only predictor of mortality. In quartile analysis, the lowest SV/PP quartile had a 4-year mortality of 61%; the highest SV/PP had no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The capacitance index (SV/PP) is a strong independent predictor of mortality in patients with IPAH.

Adult↗

Portopulmonary hypertension: Results from a 10-year screening algorithm.

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is the elevation of pulmonary artery pressure due to increased resistance to pulmonary blood flow in the setting of portal hypertension. Increased mortality has occurred with attempted liver transplantation in such patients and thus, screening for POPH is advised. We examined the relationship between screening echocardiography and right heart catheterization determinations of pressure, flow, volume, and resistance. A prospective, echocardiography-catheterization algorithm was followed from 1996 to 2005. Consecutive transplantation candidates underwent Doppler echocardiography to determine right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). Of 1,235 patients, 101 with RVSP >50 mm Hg underwent catheterization to measure mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), flow via cardiac output (CO), central volume via pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), and resistance via calculated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Bland-Altman analysis suggested marked discordance between echocardiography-derived RVSP and catheterization results. All-cause pulmonary hypertension (MPAP >25 mm Hg) was documented in 90/101 (90%) patients. Using current pressure and resistance diagnostic guidelines (MPAP >25 mm Hg, PVR > or =240 dynes/s/cm(-5)), POPH was documented in 66/101 (65%) patients. Elevated MPAP was due to increased CO and/or PAOP in 35/101 (35%) patients with normal resistance (PVR <240 dynes/s/cm(-5)). The transpulmonary gradient (MPAP-PAOP) further characterized POPH in the presence of increased volume. Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) scores correlated poorly with MPAP and PVR. In conclusion, right heart catheterization is necessary to confirm POPH and frequently identifies other reasons for pulmonary hypertension (e.g., high flow and increased central volume) in liver transplantation candidates. Severity of POPH correlates poorly with MELD scores.

Adult↗

The prognostic value of pulmonary vascular capacitance determined by Doppler echocardiography in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine if a novel measurement of pulmonary vascular (PV) capacitance (PVCAP) by Doppler echocardiography predicts all-cause mortality in patients with primary pulmonary arterial (PA) hypertension (PPAH). BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with PPAH is variable and has been difficult to predict using clinical or hemodynamic parameters. PVCAP is a measure of the workload on the right ventricle (RV) and we recently have shown that PVCAP determined by cardiac catheterization is a strong predictor of survival. This same hemodynamic information to calculate PVCAP can be derived from Doppler echocardiography. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if PVCAP from noninvasive Doppler echocardiography would be a useful measure of survival in patients with PPAH. METHODS: We analyzed clinical and hemodynamic variables on all patients with PPAH who had a right heart catheterization and echocardiogram from January to December 1999. Because capacitance is directly proportional to stroke volume and inversely proportional to PA pulse pressure, PVCAP was defined as stroke volume/pulse pressure. PVCAP was derived noninvasively from a comprehensive 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiogram. Using the peak systolic tricuspid regurgitation velocity and the end-diastolic pulmonary regurgitation velocity, the modified Bernoulli equation was used to calculate the PA systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively. Stroke volume was obtained using the volumetric flow through the left ventricular outflow tract. PVCAP was then analyzed as a predictor of mortality, adjusting for other known modifiers of risk. RESULTS: In all, 54 patients (13 men) were studied with a mean age of 44 +/- 11 years, ejection fraction of 62 +/- 11%, and RV systolic pressure of 90 +/- 21 mm Hg. In all, 24% were in World Health Organization (WHO) class II, 52% in class III, and 24% in class IV. During follow-up of 1498 +/- 108 days, 12 patients died. The strongest noninvasive predictor of mortality was PVCAP (risk ratio 3.0/mL/mm Hg decrease in PVCAP, 95% confidence interval 1.2-8.0, P = .0212). WHO class, RV index of myocardial performance, RV systolic pressure, and RV ejection time were weaker predictors. PVCAP was also a stronger predictor of mortality than invasively determined PV resistance, right atrial pressure, and mean PA pressure. In multivariate analysis, PVCAP was the only noninvasive predictor of mortality. In quartile analysis the lowest PVCAP quartile had a 4-year mortality of 39% whereas the highest PVCAP had a mortality of 7%. CONCLUSION: The novel measure of PVCAP, as determined by Doppler echocardiography, is a strong noninvasive predictor of mortality in patients with PPAH and adds prognostic value to conventional risk markers.

Adult↗

Ambrisentan therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of four doses of ambrisentan, an oral endothelin type A receptor-selective antagonist, in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a life-threatening and progressive disease with limited treatment options. Endothelin is a vasoconstrictor and smooth muscle cell mitogen that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of PAH. METHODS: In this double-blind, dose-ranging study, 64 patients with idiopathic PAH or PAH associated with collagen vascular disease, anorexigen use, or human immunodeficiency virus infection were randomized to receive 1, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg of ambrisentan once daily for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of open-label ambrisentan. The primary end point was an improvement from baseline in 6-min walk distance (6MWD); secondary end points included Borg dyspnea index, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, a subject global assessment, and cardiopulmonary hemodynamics. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, ambrisentan increased 6MWD (+36.1 m, p < 0.0001) with similar and statistically significant increases for each dose group (range, +33.9 to +38.1 m). Improvements were also observed in Borg dyspnea index, WHO functional class, subject global assessment, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (-5.2 mm Hg, p < 0.0001), and cardiac index (+0.33 l/min/m2, p < 0.0008). Adverse events were mild and unrelated to dose, including the incidence of elevated serum aminotransferase concentrations >3 times the upper limit of normal (3.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Ambrisentan appears to improve exercise capacity, symptoms, and hemodynamics in patients with PAH. The incidence and severity of liver enzyme abnormalities appear to be low.

Adult↗

Impact of pulmonary hypertension on the outcomes of noncardiac surgery: predictors of perioperative morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the predictors of short-term morbidity and mortality (< 30 days) after noncardiac surgery in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension is considered to be a significant preoperative risk factor. METHODS: The PH and surgical data bases were matched from 1991 to 2003. Patients were excluded if PH was secondary to left heart disease, not present before surgery, or the procedure involved cardiopulmonary bypass. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables associated with short-term morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Of 1,276 patients in the PH database, 145 patients (73% female) met all study criteria. The mean age (+/-SD) was 60.1 +/- 16.0 years. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (mean +/- SD) on the two-dimensional echocardiogram was 68 +/- 21 mm Hg. There were 60 patients (42%) who experienced one or more short-term morbid event(s) (1.8 events/patient experiencing any event). A history of pulmonary embolism (p = 0.01), New York Heart Association functional class > or = II (p = 0.02), intermediate- to high-risk surgery (p = 0.04), and duration of anesthesia > 3 h (p = 0.04) were independent predictors of short-term morbidity. There were 10 early deaths (7%). A history of pulmonary embolism (p = 0.04), right-axis deviation (p = 0.02), right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy (p = 0.04), RV index of myocardial performance > or = 0.75 (p = 0.03), RVSP/systolic blood pressure > or = 0.66 (p = 0.01), intraoperative use of vasopressors (p < 0.01), and anesthesia when nitrous oxide was not used (p < 0.01) were each associated with postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PH undergoing noncardiac surgery with general anesthesia, specific clinical, diagnostic, and intraoperative factors may predict worse outcomes.

Adult↗

Incidence and predictors of cardiac perforation after permanent pacemaker placement.

BACKGROUND: Pericardial effusion, a sign of cardiac perforation, may complicate permanent pacemaker placement. Risk factors for development of post-permanent pacemaker effusion have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of symptomatic pericardial effusion after permanent pacemaker placement. METHODS: The Mayo Clinic pacemaker and echocardiogram databases were cross-referenced. From 1995 to 2003, 4,280 permanent pacemakers were implanted. Fifty (1.2%) patients developed significant effusion and symptoms consistent with perforation. They were randomly matched with 100 patients without effusion after permanent pacemaker placement. RESULTS: The strongest predictors of postimplant effusion by univariate analysis were the concomitant use of a temporary transvenous pacemaker (hazard ratio [HR] 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-6.2, P = .001) or steroid use within 7 days prior to implant (HR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1-10, P = .003). Weaker predictors were use of helical screw ventricular leads, body mass index (BMI) <20, older age, and longer fluoroscopy times. Variables associated with lower risk of perforation were right ventricular systolic pressure >35 mmHg (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.44-0.97, P = .01) or BMI >30 (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.93, P = .01). Multivariate predictors were use of temporary pacemaker (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-3.9, P = .01), helical screw leads (HR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4-3.8, P = .04), and steroids (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-5.4, P = .04). Right ventricular systolic pressure >35 mmHg was the only protective factor (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50-0.92, P = .02). CONCLUSION: The incidence of postimplant effusions is low. In order to minimize periprocedural permanent pacemaker effusions, temporary pacemaker placement should be avoided unless essential, and particular care should be taken when placing a permanent pacemaker in patients who are taking steroids.

Adult↗

Efficacy and safety of treprostinil: an epoprostenol analog for primary pulmonary hypertension.

Intravenous epoprostenol is currently FDA approved for management of primary pulmonary hypertension, but it requires intravenous infusion and is associated with adverse effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an epoprostenol analog, treprostinil, for management of pulmonary hypertension. Ten tertiary care academic institutions with pulmonary hypertension programs participated in these pilot trials. In the first trial, intravenous epoprostenol and intravenous treprostinil were compared. In the second trial, intravenous treprostinil and subcutaneous treprostinil were compared. In the third trial, subcutaneous treprostinil was compared with placebo infusion during an 8-week period. Intravenous epoprostenol and intravenous treprostinil resulted in a similar reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance acutely (22% and 20%, respectively). Intravenous treprostinil and subcutaneous treprostinil also demonstrated comparable short-term decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (23% and 28%, respectively). The placebo-controlled 8-week trial demonstrated a mean improvement of 37 +/- 17 m as measured by the 6-minute walk distance in patients receiving treprostinil compared with a 6 +/- 28 m reduction in those receiving placebo. There were trends toward an improvement in cardiac index and pulmonary vascular resistance index in the treprostinil group. Subcutaneous treprostinil has favorable hemodynamic effects when given acutely and in the short term. Treprostinil can be given safely to an ambulatory patient with a novel subcutaneous delivery pump system.

Adolescent↗

Immediate and long-term hemodynamic and clinical effects of sildenafil in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving vasodilator therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immediate and long-term effects of adding sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, to the medical regimen of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with PAH received empirical adjunctive sildenafil treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between November 1, 2000, and August 31, 2001. All received a 25-mg dose of sildenafil, increased by 25 mg at 8-hour intervals, if tolerated, up to 100 mg during hemodynamic monitoring for 24 to 48 hours. Long-term effects on right heart hemodynamics were assessed by noninvasive right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular index of myocardial performance, and a 6-minute walk test. RESULTS: Sildenafil significantly increased cardiac output (CO) (P = .04) and decreased pulmonary artery systolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and mean arterial pressure (P < or = .01) at peak measurements (obtained 1-2 hours after highest dose). At trough measurements (obtained 8 hours after highest dose), sildenafil significantly decreased pulmonary artery systolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and mean arterial pressure (P = .01). Ten patients discharged from the hospital were taking the highest-tolerated dose of sildenafil every 8 hours. The right ventricular systolic pressure and right index of myocardial performance showed no significant improvement at follow-up (117 +/- 70 days), although concomitant treatment with epoprostenol could be tapered in 2 patients. Changes in New York Heart Association classes were inconsistent, and improvements in the 6-minute walk test were not significant. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil has an immediate pulmonary vasodilator effect in patients already receiving vasodilators for PAH. Its long-term effects on right heart function and functional status are equivocal. A large, prospective, well-designed study is needed to determine the effects of sildenafil on PAH, both in untreated and concurrently treated patients.

Adult↗

Pulmonary hypertension in the setting of acquired systemic arteriovenous fistulas.

We describe 2 patients who presented with symptoms and clinical evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The first patient, who had severe pulmonary hypertension, underwent correction of an acquired arteriovenous (AV) fistula, which led to improvement according to clinical and noninvasive hemodynamic criteria. The second patient had severely symptomatic pulmonary hypertension associated with a large, previously unrecognized, superior mesenteric AV fistula after intra-abdominal surgery. Surgical correction of the fistula resulted in normalization of pulmonary hemodynamics assessed by right heart catheterization. Truly reversible substrates of pulmonary hypertension are rare. Acquired systemic AV fistulas are a less recognized cause of secondary pulmonary hypertension. It is unknown whether high blood flow peripheral AV shunts ultimately lead to endothelial proliferation, vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy, plexiform lesions, and other histopathologic changes that are seen in patients with left-to-right shunts due to atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and patent ductus arteriosus.

Adult↗

Effects of the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor and receptor antagonist terbogrel in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Circulating mediators, including thromboxane A2, the vasoconstrictor, platelet aggregant, and smooth muscle mitogen, may contribute to the progression of vascular narrowing in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). METHODS: To further understand the contribution of thromboxane and to provide novel therapy for PPH, we administered the potent orally active thromboxane synthetase inhibitor and thromboxane receptor antagonist terbogrel for 12 weeks to patients with New York Heart Association functional classification II and III PPH. The study had a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled design. The primary endpoint was a change in the distance walked during 6 minutes. The pharmacologic effects of terbogrel on thromboxane and prostacyclin metabolism also were studied. RESULTS: Although the planned enrollment was 135 patients, the study was halted after only 71 patients had been randomized because of the unforeseen side effect of leg pain, which occurred almost exclusively in patients with terbogrel treatment. Only 52 patients completed the 12-week study, and only 22 patients (31%) were fully compliant with the study medication. The leg pain confounded the primary endpoint of walking distance. On an intention-to-treat analysis, no improvements in 6-minute walk distance or in hemodynamics in patients with terbogrel treatment were seen. However, terbogrel was effective from a pharmacologic standpoint, reducing thromboxane metabolites by as much as 98% (P <.0001), with a modest but statistically insignificant (39%) rise in prostacyclin metabolites. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of thromboxane with an orally active agent is feasible in PPH, but the incidence of severe leg pain with terbogrel precludes its use in this disorder. Similar therapeutic efforts, with other thromboxane inhibitors, should be considered.

Double-Blind Method↗