TY - JOUR T1 - Combining evidence and experience in pulmonary hypertension JF - European Respiratory Review JO - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW SP - 135 LP - 136 DO - 10.1183/09059180.00004009 VL - 18 IS - 113 AU - M. Humbert AU - L. J. Rubin Y1 - 2009/09/01 UR - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/18/113/135.abstract N2 - The term pulmonary hypertension (PH) describes a group of devastating and life-limiting diseases, defined by mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mmHg at rest [1]. PH can be idiopathic in origin or can arise in association with a range of underlying causes. Clinical symptoms of progressive dyspnoea and decreasing exercise capacity, and the potential for the development of right heart failure, are common to all forms of PH, despite the differences in aetiology. Presently, PH is classified clinically, with the various subgroups sharing similar clinical presentations and pathogenetics [2]. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) forms group 1 of this classification and is characterised by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right ventricular failure and premature death. Although we cannot yet claim a “cure” for PAH, recent advances in the use of targeted therapies have led to improvements in symptoms, exercise capacity and, in some cases, survival. Evidence also suggests that early management may improve outcome. Given such advances, early recognition and prompt and accurate diagnosis of PH and its underlying aetiology are of critical importance. This issue of the European Respiratory Review features a series of articles and educational case reports written by experts in the field of PH, based on presentations at two recent international meetings sponsored by Actelion Pharmaceuticals (Allschwil, Switzerland). The first of these meetings was the Third International Systemic Sclerosis Forum, which took place in Basel, Switzerland between February 28 and March 1, 2009, and … ER -