Volume 10: Issue 4

Psychosocial matters often take a backseat to some of the more easily measured outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension, particularly in the setting of clinical trials. However, when dealing directly with patients and their families, these are often at the top of their list of concerns. Unfortunately, for physicians and allied health care professionals, psychosocial consequences of physical diseases are not necessarily a focus of previous educational curriculums. Thus, while we know that pulmonary hypertension places a physical burden on patients, the psychosocial impact of the disease is less often addressed because practitioners may be less comfortable, and frankly less

While we have long understood pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to be a chronic disorder of the pulmonary vasculature that can lead to right heart failure and death if untreated, there are currently no therapies approved for children. Recommendations for treatment for children have been derived from evidence-based adult guidelines. However, limited data suggest benefits for children utilizing drugs approved for adults. This landmark study is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a PAH therapy in children.

Summaries and commentaries from the section editors and invited reviewers present a clinical context for practitioners' application of the latest published research relevant to the care of patients with pulmonary hypertension. In this issue Ioana Preston, MD, discusses the principle of moral pluralism in relation to decision making in the care of PH patients.

Note from the Section Editor: Food can be yet one more troublesome part of our PH patients' lives. Providing resources can help them and their caregivers plan, obtain, prepare, and enjoy nutritious meals to optimize the quality of their lives. Registered dietitians are important members of our patients' team. Dr Mueller explains how to guide our patients in accessing information for their unique nutritional lifestyle.

Guest editor's memo

Beyond Physical Well-Being

Nonpharmacological Treatment Options for Mild to Moderate Depression

The Pediatric Sildenafil Trial

Review of the Latest Published Research

What is a Nutritional Lifestyle?

Quality of Life in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Qualitative Insights From Patients and Caregivers

Depression: Beyond Description As an Important Comorbidity in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension—The Next Steps

Exercise in Pulmonary Hypertension

Disability in Pulmonary Hypertension

PAH: The Patient's Point of View

Conference Abstracts

Guest Editor’s Memo

A Roundtable Discussion Addressing Patient-Centered Care and Quality of Life in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Editor’s Memo

Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Parenchymal Lung Disease