Whole Muscle Exercise Training (WHOLEi+12) in Pulmonary Hypertension
Exercise TherapyThe purpose of this RCT is to study the effects of whole muscle training (inspiratory muscle training + aerobic training + muscle resistance training) on muscle power, VO2peak and gas-exchange variables obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, QoL, functional capacity (eg, 6-min walking distance), and maximal inspiratory pressure in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension.
Tadalafil for Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Chronic Lung Disease
Pulmonary HypertensionChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)The functional, social, and economic burden of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) on the healthcare system is extraordinary. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and some estimates attribute up to $33.2 billion in health care costs to COPD-associated morbidity and mortality annually. The burden of COPD to the VA Healthcare system parallels these findings. According to the VA HSR&D Health Economics Resource Center, COPD ranks 5th among the 40 most common chronic clinical conditions in the U.S. Veteran patient population, is responsible for >14,000 VA hospital admission annually, and increases by $1,051/patient the total annual health care cost burden on the VA Healthcare system. Importantly, COPD is associated with frequent emergency room visitation and/or hospitalization patients. Pulmonary hypertension is a common co-morbid condition that worsen morbidity and mortality in patients with COPD. This study will examine the potential for tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor to improve functional status by decreasing pulmonary hypertension. Results from this study are expected to define the potential use of PDE-5 inhibitors in COPD-induced pulmonary hypertension. If successful, this treatment option may improve quality of life and outcomes for the large number of Veterans afflicted with PH due to COPD.
Effect of Long-term Oxygen Therapy on Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients With Pulmonary...
Pulmonary Arterial and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary HypertensionIn this randomized-controlled, cross-over trial the investigators test the effect of long-term oxygen therapy (> 16h/day) given for 5 weeks with a wash-out period between phases of 2 weeks on exercise performance and quality of life and many physiological parameters in patients with pulmonary arterial and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Safety and Efficacy of Terbogrel in Patients With Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
HypertensionPulmonaryThis study sought to determine whether terbogrel was an effective treatment for primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) by comparing its efficacy and safety to that of placebo.
Evaluation of the Pharmacodynamic Effect of the Combination of Sildenafil and Riociguat on Blood...
Pulmonary HypertensionPulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a severe progressive disease with a high mortality. Although several drugs are available for the treatment of PAH none offer a cure, therefore there is still a high medical need for new treatments. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is one of the chemicals involved in the pathways controlling vascular tone, which is impaired in patients with PAH. This causes constriction and thickening of the blood vessels wall in the lungs and increase of blood pressure in the lungs. This can lead to the very debilitating symptoms of PAH such as tiredness, shortness of breath on exertion, collapse and often the inability of the patient to perform their daily life activities. Inhalation of Nitric Oxide, which activates sGC is used to treat PAH, but its effect wears off as soon as inhalation stops. Direct stimulation of sGC using this new compound Riociguat may be a new approach for the treatment of PAH. The phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5)-inhibitor Sildenafil is one of licensed treatments for PAH. The Patent Plus is a double-blind, placebo-controlled safety study, designed to investigate the effect of Riociguat on blood pressure in patients with PAH when given in combination with Sildenafil.
The Qutenza Patch as Treatment for Disabling Treprostinil (Remodulin) Infusion Site Pain
Pulmonary HypertensionPulmonary Arterial HypertensionSubcutaneous treprostinil (Remodulin) is effective therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension, a life threatening disease of the lung blood vessels. Unfortunately, treprostinil is irritating to the skin and many patients experience intense pain at the infusion site for the first 7-10 days after placing a new subcutaneous infusion site. Qutenza is an FDA approved formulation of 8% capsaicin that is approved for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia, a painful skin condition. The investigators hypothesize that pretreatment of an area of skin with Qutenza would decrease the pain associated with a new treprostinil infusion site. The investigators hope that Qutenza will decrease both the intensity of the pain and the duration of the pain after patients place a new treprostinil infusion site. In this initial study, the investigators will provide Qutenza in open-label, unblinded fashion and ask patients to rate their pain using a diary tool with which they are already comfortable.
Effect of Esomeprazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Treprostinil
HypertensionPulmonary1 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, on treprostinil pharmacokinetics.
Sildenafil to Improve Exercise Capacity in People With Thalassemia and Pulmonary Hypertension
ThalassemiaHypertension1 moreThalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that can result in mild to severe anemia. Many people with thalassemia also have pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs. This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the medication sildenafil at reducing blood pressure in the lungs of people with thalassemia and pulmonary hypertension.
Sildenafil for Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Valvular Disease
Pulmonary HypertensionValvular Heart DiseaseThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the mid-term treatment with sildenafil in patients with persistent moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) after a heart valve intervention.
Effect of Bosentan on Exercise Capacity at High Altitude
AltitudePulmonary HypertensionThis study is to determine whether bosentan will alter exercise capacity after rapid ascent to high altitude. We hypothesize that bosentan administration will improve arterial oxygenation and exercise capacity.