The International Pulmonary Hypertension Clinical Therapy (IMPAHCT) event organized by pharmaceutical company Ferrer brought together more than 150 pulmonologists and cardiologists from more than 30 countries, solidifying the company's commitment to advancing research and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
One of the main topics discussed at the meeting was the importance of early referral of patients to specialized clinics. Recent data show that, despite improvements in the management of pulmonary hypertension in recent years, the time from symptom onset to diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension remains greater than two years. Experts called for protocols to expedite referrals and highlighted the need for early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. This makes care more personalized and effective.
Gabor Kovacs, a pulmonologist and professor at the Medical University of Graz, said: "If pulmonary hypertension is suspected or seen by signs or symptoms of pulmonary hypertension, pulmonologists and cardiologists are able to refer patients to specialized clinics and expedite the diagnosis. It would be great if the general public could recognize some of the signs of the disease, such as feeling short of breath when exercising, and take them seriously .”
At the event, representatives of some of the leading European associations brought voices from the patient community, strengthening responses to unmet medical and social needs.
In addition, the IMPAHCT meeting discussed the 2022 edition of the European Heart and Respiratory Society guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension,4 which foresee the use of enteral prostaglandins for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. These advances represent promising opportunities to improve outcomes for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Jorge Cuneo, Chief Medical Officer of Ferrer, said: "The incidence of these diseases is low, which unfortunately means that there are many unmet medical needs. In addition, the mortality rate of pulmonary arterial hypertension is very high, so early diagnosis has a great impact on the prognosis of the disease. have significant implications, so swift action is critical."
Oscar Pérez, Ferrer Chief Marketing Officer, Market Access & Pricing and Business Development Officer, emphasized: "As a company committed to innovating and developing transformative treatments, we are excited to contribute to the research and accessibility of these treatments .Additionally, we are honored to have the support of representatives of the medical community and patient associations at this event."
references:
- Didden EM, Lee E, Wyckmans J, Quinn D, Perchenet L. Time to diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and diagnostic burden: A retrospective analysis of nationwide US healthcare data. retrospective analysis). Pulm Circ. 2023 Jan;13(1) e12188.
- Hoeper MM, Humbert M, Souza R, Idrees M, Kawut SM, Sliwa-Hahnle K, et al. A global view of pulmonary hypertension. Lancet Respir Med. 2016 Apr;4(4):306 -twenty two.
- Simonneau G, Montani D, Celermajer DS, Denton CP, Gatzoulis MA, Krowka M, et al. Haemodynamic definitions and updated clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir J. 2019 Jan 24;53(1):1801913.
- Humbert M, Kovacs G, Hoeper MM, Badagliacca R, Berger RMF, Brida M, et al; ESC/ERS Scientific Document Group. 2022 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. and Treatment Guidelines). Eur Respir J. 2023 Jan 6;61(1):2200879.
- Peacock AJ, Murphy NF, McMurray JJ, Caballero L, Stewart S. An epidemiological study of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir J 2007Jul;30(1):104-9.
- Behr J, Nathan SD. Pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung disease: screening, diagnosis and treatment. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2021 Sep 1;27(5) :396-404.
- King CS, Shlobin OA. The trouble with group 3 pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung disease: difficulties in diagnosis and the conundrum of treatment (interstitial lung disease in patients with group 3 pulmonary hypertension: diagnostic difficulties and treatment difficulties). Chest. 2020;158(4):1651-1664.
Audience at the International Conference on Clinical Therapy of Pulmonary Hypertension (IMPAHCT), organized by the pharmaceutical company Ferrer (Photo: Ferrer)