RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Palliative care in pulmonary arterial hypertension: an underutilised treatment
JF European Respiratory Review
JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 180069
DO 10.1183/16000617.0069-2018
VO 27
IS 150
A1 Ghaleb Khirfan
A1 Adriano R. Tonelli
A1 Jennifer Ramsey
A1 Sandeep Sahay
YR 2018
UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/27/150/180069.abstract
AB Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a condition characterised by increased pulmonary vascular resistance which can lead to right heart failure and premature death. It imposes a significant burden on patients' lives, affecting their physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Pharmacological therapies are the mainstay of treatment; while they are not curative, they can alleviate patient suffering, improve quality of life and delay disease progression. Despite these therapies, disease progresses in a significant number of patients, who are faced with the debilitating symptoms of PAH and treatment adverse effects. Palliative care is focused on providing relief from symptoms caused by a chronic illness. Palliative care aims to improve the health-related quality of life for patients and families, and although it is deemed appropriate at any stage of disease, it is most helpful when explored early in the course of disease. Importantly, palliative care can be provided in concert with pharmacological treatment. Despite its potential benefits, palliative care is frequently underutilised. There is a paucity of clinical studies testing the impact of palliative care in PAH which prompted us to summarise the available evidence, recognise obstacles in its utilisation and identify areas for future research.Palliative care remains an underutilised treatment option in PAH. This article attempts to highlight its importance in the management of PAH and highlight the barriers faced by both physicians and patients in seeking palliative care. http://ow.ly/quBH30mt9Pl