Experts Call for Protocols to Speed up Referrals for Pulmonary Hypertension to Specialized Centers

The IMPAHCT (International Meeting on Pulmonary Hypertension Clinical Treatment) event, organized by the pharmaceutical company Ferrer, has brought together more than 150 pulmonologists and cardiologists from over 30 countries, consolidating the company's commitment to the advancement of the research and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

One of the main topics discussed during the event was the importance of referring patients to specialized centers as early as possible. Recent data shows that, despite advances in recent years, the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension, for example, is more than 2 years¹. Specialists called for protocols to expedite referrals and highlighted the need for early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment, which will enable more personalized and effective care.

According to Gabor Kovacs, pulmonologist, and professor at the Medical University of Graz, "it would be great if pneumologists and cardiologists, whenever they suspect of PH or see signs or symptoms suggestive of PH, could refer patients to a specialized center and accelerate the diagnosis, allowing to initiate therapy and improve their prognosis and quality of life. It would also help for the general public to recognize some of the signs of the disease, like feeling breathless while practicing sport, and take them seriously."

The event also featured the voice of the patient community through representatives of the main European associations, thereby reinforcing the approaches to the unmet medical and social needs.

In addition, during IMPAHCT, the 2022 Guidelines from the European Cardiac and Respiratory Societies on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension⁴ were discussed, which anticipate the use of parenteral prostacyclins. These advances represent a promising opportunity to improve outcomes for people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

According to Jorge Cuneo, Chief Medical Officer at Ferrer, "these diseases have a low prevalence, and, unfortunately, this means that there are numerous unmet medical needs. In addition, pulmonary hypertension has a very high mortality rate, so it is crucial to act rapidly as early diagnosis can make a significant difference to the prognosis of the disease."

Oscar Pérez, Chief Marketing, Market Access & Pricing and Business Development Officer at Ferrer, emphasized that "as a company committed to innovation and the development of transformative therapeutic solutions, we are pleased to contribute to the research and accessibility of these therapies. It is also a pleasure to have the support of the medical community and representatives of patient associations at this event."

References:

1. 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. Pulm Circ. 2023 Jan;13(1) e12188.
2. 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):306-22.
3. 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.
4. 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. Eur Respir J. 2023 Jan 6;61(1):2200879.
5. https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/index.php
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. King CS, Shlobin OA. The trouble with group 3 pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung disease: dilemmas in diagnosis and the conundrum of treatment. Chest. 2020;158(4):1651-1664.