Transition from Intravenous Epoprostenol to Treprostinil Due to Intolerable Side Effects in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Intravenous epoprostenol improves exercise capacity and survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, it has side effects. Reviewing the side effects associated with epoprostenol and treprostinil is essential for improving the long-term treatment strategies for PAH. This retrospective review included patients with PAH who transitioned from intravenous epoprostenol to intravenous treprostinil owing to intolerable side effects, including high cardiac output symptoms, ascites, and thrombocytopenia. Of the 85 patients who received epoprostenol at our hospital between 2013 and 2021, 16 (11 women), with a median age of 33 (range 26 to 40) years (including 12 with idiopathic PAH, 3 with hereditary PAH, and 1 with connective tissue disease pulmonary hypertension), had to switch from intravenous epoprostenol to treprostinil owing to the side effects. After transitioning, epoprostenol-associated intolerable side effects, such as high cardiac output symptoms, ascites, and thrombocytopenia, were ameliorated. In conclusion, for patients with PAH who have intolerable side effects from epoprostenol and have difficulty in continuing treatment, switching from epoprostenol to treprostinil may be an option. Switching treatment leads to better adherence and improved long-term prostacyclin therapy.

Keywords: ascites; cardiac output; prostacyclin therapy; thrombocytopenia.