Editor's Memo

Making Strides for Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

The evaluation and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in children represents distinct challenges. In this issue of Advances, Drs Dunbar Ivy and Usha Krishnan have done a fantastic job guest editing in a fashion that complements recently published guidelines for this important population(1) The Advances issue, along with the pediatric guidelines, offers a more comprehensive review than is typically available in more conventional efforts.(2)

Amazingly, no FDA-approved pharmacological therapies are available for PAH in children. Nonetheless, dedicated clinicians and scientists have forged ahead relying on those medications approved for use in adults. For perspective, they offer an update on the status of 5 children who were featured in a 2011 issue on pediatric PAH who have managed to control their disease with expert management. In addition to the core articles, please take time to read the roundtable discussion that provides background of guideline development and the role in clinical practice; the review on dental care in children with PAH from our PH Professional Network colleague; and PH Grand Rounds that highlights one of the important mimics of chronic pulmonary thromboembolic disease. Lastly, I want to thank Dr. Slack for his careful review of a prior issue and need to provide corrective information.

One more important note: this issue hosts a tribute to Rino Aldrighetti, who has retired as President of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. His dedication to the launch and evolution of Advances has been key to the success of the journal.