Guest Editors' Memo
In this issue of Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension, we focus on the Scientific Sessions that occurred at PHA's 2016 International PH Conference. Last year's conference marked two milestones we celebrated PHA's 25th anniversary, as we celebrated 20 years of prostacyclin therapy. Acknowledging and celebrating these achievements, we also realized that PH is a disease that still affects millions of people throughout the world. We therefore elected to have “PH Around the World” as the theme of the 2016 Scientific Sessions. Our goal was to provide a platform for celebrating our successes and for identifying pathways for progress in reaching our ultimate goal of understanding and curing PH in all parts of the world.
The presentations at the Scientific Sessions reviewed the past, present, and future of prostacyclin therapy, lessons learned from the study of worldwide PH registries, recent developments in the use of salvage therapies for refractory PAH, novel aspects of pediatric PH, and promising therapeutic strategies to be applied in the next 25 years. These talks were complemented by a thought-provoking panel discussion on how to enhance access to PAH therapies in the developing world, presentation of the best abstracts by young investigators, and a cutting-edge poster session the night prior to the Scientific Sessions.
In a symposium focused on common causes of PH throughout the world, Drs Barnett, Butrous, de Jesus-Perez, and Swenson gave wonderful talks on HIV-associated PAH, schistosomiasis-associated PAH, drug- and toxin-induced PAH and high altitude-induced pulmonary hypertensive syndromes. These four topics are included as reviews in the current issue, representing common causes of PH/PAH in the Western world as well as in developing countries. In addition, we include the two best basic science abstracts and the two best clinical abstracts. Lastly, we include a roundtable discussion with both veteran as well as newer attendees of the Scientific Sessions, who share their thoughts on the Sessions and their implications.
This issue is a terrific synopsis of a highly informative, stimulating, and entertaining 2016 PHA International Conference and Scientific Sessions. The energy, collaborative spirit, and desire to find a cure were truly infectious. We all left determined to make more scientific discoveries, provide top-notch education, and deliver the best possible care for our patients.