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Endothelial Function in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Genetics
Hypertension, Pulmonary
Pathophysiology
Interventions
Device: EndoPAT measurement
Biological: Blood Test
Registration Number
NCT01317134
Lead Sponsor
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
Brief Summary

The objectives of the current study are to identify and evaluate new prognostic non-invasive and serological markers in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The focus will be on L-arginine metabolism and to clarify its influence on endothelial function.

Detailed Description

The objectives of the current study are to identify and evaluate new prognostic non-invasive and serological markers in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The focus will be on L-arginine metabolism and to clarify its influence on endothelial function. The investigators also want to evaluate differences in plasma concentrations of L-arginine/NO metabolites and non-invasively assessed endothelial function based on specific PH-therapy.

Furthermore, the investigators aim to transfer the results gained from the investigators study population to in-vitro systems in order to carefully characterize the involved signal transduction pathways. Thereby the investigators hope to identify potentially new therapeutic targets in PH or patient subgroups preferably benefitting from established therapeutic options.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
90
Inclusion Criteria
  • proven PH (by right heart catheterization, PAP >25 mmHg, within last 12 months)
  • age >18 years
  • Dana Point classification I or IV (all subgroups)
  • declaration of consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pulmonary Hypertension not proven by right heart catheterization
  • Eisenmenger's syndrome/reaction
  • PH other than Dana Point I and IV
  • alcohol or drug abuse
  • non-compliance due to any cause (e.g. severe psychiatric disorder)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Therapy-naiveEndoPAT measurementThis group consists of patients with a newly diagnosed PH (Class I or IV). First blood sampling takes place before initiation of PH therapy (0 months), the following measurements will be performed after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months under specific therapy. Initiation of standard therapy is performed directly after baseline visit / study inclusion. No special study medication will be used. Intervention: a) Device: EndoPAT measurement and b) Biological/Vaccine: Blood Test
Under therapyBlood TestThis group consists of patients under ERA monotherapy at timepoint of inclusion. Observation period is one year to detect intraindividual changes in endothelial dysfunction measured by L-arginine/NO-metabolites after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months under investigation. Specific PAH therapy has been started prior to the study for medical reasons and will be continued throughout. Intervention: a) Device: EndoPAT measurement and b) Biological/Vaccine: Blood
Healthy controlsEndoPAT measurementThis group consists of healthy individuals. Sex and age matching is intended. Intervention: a) Device: EndoPAT measurement and b) Biological/Vaccine: Blood
Under therapyEndoPAT measurementThis group consists of patients under ERA monotherapy at timepoint of inclusion. Observation period is one year to detect intraindividual changes in endothelial dysfunction measured by L-arginine/NO-metabolites after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months under investigation. Specific PAH therapy has been started prior to the study for medical reasons and will be continued throughout. Intervention: a) Device: EndoPAT measurement and b) Biological/Vaccine: Blood
Healthy controlsBlood TestThis group consists of healthy individuals. Sex and age matching is intended. Intervention: a) Device: EndoPAT measurement and b) Biological/Vaccine: Blood
Therapy-naiveBlood TestThis group consists of patients with a newly diagnosed PH (Class I or IV). First blood sampling takes place before initiation of PH therapy (0 months), the following measurements will be performed after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months under specific therapy. Initiation of standard therapy is performed directly after baseline visit / study inclusion. No special study medication will be used. Intervention: a) Device: EndoPAT measurement and b) Biological/Vaccine: Blood Test
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Differences of endothelial function regarding disease class and severity0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months

1. Quantification of L-arginine metabolites in whole blood

2. PAT-Ratio as non-invasively assessed endothelial function by EndoPAT2000-Device (Itamar Medical Ltd., Caesarea, Israel)

0 months = Time of Inclusion

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Correlation of endothelial function with changes in pulmonary hemodynamics0,3,6,9 and 12 months

L-arginine metabolite concentrations and PAT-Ratio correlated with PAPm, RAP, PVR (assessed by right heart catheterization within 12 months prior to inclusion) and echocardiographical parameters RVSP, TAPSE and TEI.

Correlation of L-arginine metabolites with pulmonary vascular signaling0 months

In vitro evaluation of human pulmonary vasculature cells signaling and proliferation by altered L-arginine metabolite levels.

Correlation of polymorphisms in L-arginine metabolism genes with disease severity0 months
Correlation of endothelial function with possible novel diagnostic or prognostic factors (e.g., inflammatory markers, intermediary metabolites)0 months
Correlation of endothelial function with established prognostic factors0,3,6,9 and 12 months

L-arginine metabolite concentrations and PAT-Ratio correlated with plasma concentration of proBNP as well as capillary pCO2, 6-minute walk distance and NYHA/WHO functional class.

Correlation of endothelial function with possible prognostic factors0,3,6,9 and 12 months

L-arginine metabolite concentrations and PAT-Ratio correlated with plasma concentration of various enzymes as well as lung function.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf

🇩🇪

Hamburg, Germany

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