Advanced Therapy in Eisenmenger Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Cardiol Rev. 2017 May/Jun;25(3):126-132. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000107.

Abstract

Treatment options for patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome have until recently been scarce, but new knowledge in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension has expanded the therapeutic possibilities for these patients. Advanced therapy with pulmonary vasodilators has become part of the standard treatment, offering long-term benefits on exercise capacity, clinical symptoms, and possibly survival. However, there are currently only few studies to guide the use of advanced therapies in this population, and important questions such as indications for initiation or escalation of advanced therapy and valid effect parameters and treatment goals remain unanswered. This review covers the pharmacology, therapeutic options, risk stratification, and treatment strategy of pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific drugs in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Disease Management*
  • Eisenmenger Complex / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Vasodilator Agents