Interventional Strategies for Children with Progressive Pulmonary Hypertension Despite Optimal Therapy. An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline

Don Hayes, Jr., Ann L. Jennerich, Ryan D. Coleman, Eric Abston, Gregory T. Adamson, John T. Berger, Sarah P. Cohen, David S. Cooper, Pirooz Eghtesady, Francis Fynn-Thompson, R. Mark Grady, Stephanie M. Hon, Charles W. Hoopes, Teresa Jewell, Hayley Lewthwaite, Michelle F. Liu, David C. McGiffin, Mary P. Mullen, Athar M. Qureshi, David L. S. Morales; on behalf of the American Thoracic Society Assemblyon Pediatrics
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. University of Washington. Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. Boston University School of Medicine. Stanford Medicine. Children’s National Medical Center and George Washington University. Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital Boston. University of Alabama at Birmingham. University of Newcastle. Inova. Alfred.
United States and Australia

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024;
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202410-1901ST

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary hypertension in children often progresses despite optimal therapy. This document provides an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the management of children with progressive pulmonary hypertension despite optimal therapy.
Methods: A multidisciplinary panel identified pertinent questions regarding the management of children with pulmonary hypertension that has progressed despite optimal therapy, conducted systematic reviews of the relevant literature, and applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to develop clinical recommendations.
Results: After reviewing the research evidence, the panel considered the balance of desirable (benefits) and undesirable (harms and burdens) effects of the interventions in each proposed question. Valuation of our main outcomes was also considered, along with resources required, equity, acceptability, and feasibility. Recommendations were developed for or against interventional strategies specific to children with pulmonary hypertension that has progressed despite optimal therapy.
Conclusions: Although there is a growing population of children with pulmonary hypertension, there is a striking lack of empirical evidence regarding management of those whose disease has progressed despite optimal pharmacotherapy. The panel formulated and provided the rationale for clinical recommendations for or against interventional strategies based on this limited empirical evidence, coupled with expert opinion, to aid clinicians in the management of these complex pediatric patients. In addition, we identified important areas for future research.

Category
Surgical and Catheter-mediated Interventions for Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Consensus Guidelines for Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication

Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes

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