Guest Editor's memo
As the PHA International Conference continues to grow with record-breaking attendance for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, so have the Scientifi Sessions. The 2012 Scientifi Sessions marks the 7th time scientists and medical professionals have gathered at the International Conference to hear the latest scientifi advances in the field This year proved no exception under the leadership of Dr Todd Bull. The theme was “Genetics of Pulmonary Hypertension,” with talks focused on continuing efforts to understand BMPR2 mutations in PAH, other genetic contributors important in development of PAH such as microRNAs, genes that cause HHT, and PAH as a systemic disease. The events were started by a resounding call to arms by Dr Ghazwan Butrous, who spoke at the PHCR dinner the night before on “The Global Spectrum of Pulmonary Hypertension and its Forgotten Impact in the Developing World.”
Continuing with the focus of developing the next generation of PAH physicians and scientists, the presentation of the best clinical and basic science abstracts by junior investigators is always a highlight, as is the update from the NHLBI focusing on PH-related research initiatives and opportunities. The day concluded with the largest poster session to date where researchers were able to present their current research and obtain feedback and encouragement.
Finally, the research room was extremely busy this year with more than 250 patients, caregivers, and other volunteer participants in a number of research projects. Response was so great that several investigators ran out of supplies before they ran out of willing participants! Perhaps we will see the results of this work at the next Scientifi Sessions in 2014.
This issue of Advances provides summaries of many of the talks as well as a roundtable discussion about the recent meeting. Also are abstracts from the most promising young investigators in the PH field For those who didn't attend, and for those who did, these articles and discussions are highlighting many of the areas where our understanding of PH is headed toward more effective treatments and eventually a cure.