Pulmonary arterial hypertension: updates in epidemiology and evaluation of patients

Managed care payers, pharmacy directors, pharmacy benefit managers, specialty pharmacy directors, and any other pharmacist and/or healthcare professional interested in scientific advances in pulmonary arterial hypertension Activity OverviewPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive disorder with currently unknown etiology.Initial symptoms are often nonspecific and include shortness of breath and fatigue, with some patients experiencing these symptoms for more than 2 years before receiving a diagnosis.As PAH progresses, these symptoms may become more severe and occur for patients at rest, making early recognition of symptoms and early diagnosis imperative among healthcare providers.Current treatment goals include symptom management and maintaining patient quality of life, so clinicians should be familiar with goal-directed therapy as well as tests and risk assessment tools to monitor prognosis, treatment, and disease progression in PAH.Multiple classes of agents are used in PAH treatment, and some have been investigated as combination therapy; however, healthcare providers should be aware that certain combinations should be avoided due to increased adverse effects.These therapies are associated with significant cost burden for patients and the healthcare system, giving managed care professionals a significant opportunity to reduce costs and facilitate access of these medications.Mismanagement of patients with PAH stemming from delayed diagnosis is a main concern, so ensuring consistent application of guideline recommendations is important to the PAH treatment paradigm. Educational ObjectivesUpon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: • Classify the pathophysiology, etiology, prognosis, and quality of life burden associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).• Explore the current treatment landscape, updated safety and efficacy data, and new and emerging therapies for PAH.• Identify the costs associated with PAH and opportunities to slow progression and improve outcomes in this patient population. Accreditation StatementPharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the